Napoli and Milan battle for Hojlund and Vlahovic in attack | OneFootball

Napoli is searching for a central forward to replace Romelu Lukaku. According to today's edition of Corriere dello Sport, one of the names identified is Rasmus Hojlund (22). Danish, with physical power and huge potential, he performed excellently in Italy with Atalanta, but much less so in England with Manchester United. Milan and Vlahovic…

Napoli and Milan, market duel for the attack: Hojlund and Vlahovic the main targets

The championship hasn't started yet, but the battle between Napoli and Milan is already being fought in the market. Both clubs are looking for a new center forward, and the names at the top of the list risk creating a real tug-of-war between two of the main protagonists of Serie A.

Napoli forced to act: Lukaku's injury changes plans

Romelu Lukaku's injury, which will keep him out for at least four months, has forced Napoli to decisively return to the striker market. Sporting director Manna has immediately taken action, and the first contacts have concerned two players that Milan has been following for weeks: Rasmus Hojlund and Dusan Vlahovic.

The Dane, now out of Manchester United's plans and not called up by Amorim for the Premier League debut, is ready to change teams. A return to Italy, combined with the chance to play in the Champions League, represents an opportunity that the former Atalanta player views with interest.

Vlahovic between Napoli and Milan: the race is open

The other option leads to Dusan Vlahovic, at odds with Juventus and with a contract expiring in 2026. Antonio Conte would push to have him at the center of the technical project, but Milan is also strongly interested in the Serbian. Rossoneri sporting director Tare has publicly confirmed this, suggesting that Milan is ready to step in decisively.

The speed of negotiations will be crucial: whoever moves first will have the chance to secure one of the most sought-after forwards in the Italian and European market.

The alternatives: Zirkzee, Nico Jackson, Pinamonti, and Mitrovic

Not just Hojlund and Vlahovic. Napoli continues to evaluate other profiles as well. Joshua Zirkzee remains a name favored by Conte, but Manchester United is currently not open to selling. Attention should also be paid to Nico Jackson from Chelsea, who is also contested by Aston Villa, while in Italy, the paths leading to Andrea Pinamonti from Sassuolo and Aleksandar Mitrovic, exiting Al Hilal, remain viable.

Time is running out

The margin for maneuver is limited: on Saturday, Napoli will debut in the championship against Sassuolo, and after the international break, the Champions League appointment will follow immediately. The Neapolitan management is called to act swiftly to ensure Conte a top-level reinforcement.

The Napoli-Milan duel, therefore, is not limited to the field: the decisive match is now being played in the market.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇮🇹 here.