Napoli target Hojlund, Manna eyes new striker and two alternatives | OneFootball

Manna is considering the loan with an obligation to buy, but there's a five million discrepancy with Manchester United

Napoli, pressing on Hojlund: Manna working on the new striker. Two alternatives ready

Napoli is stepping up on the attack front and identifies Rasmus Hojlund as the main target to strengthen Antonio Conte's team. Sporting director Giovanni Manna is in constant contact with the entourage of the Danish striker from Manchester United, trying to find the right formula to bring him to the blues.

Hojlund, the negotiation gets serious

The profile of Hojlund, 22 years old, is indicated by Aurelio De Laurentiis and Conte himself as ideal for the new course. Napoli proposes a burdensome loan with the right to buy, but the player asks for guarantees: he wants the certainty of a definitive confirmation by June 2026.

The striker, already a protagonist in Serie A with Atalanta, earns about 2.8 million euros per year. The Neapolitan club is ready to adjust the salary up to 3-3.5 million, a clear sign of a negotiation considered a priority. After the first contacts with United, which showed openness to a temporary sale, Manna has intensified talks with the manager and the player's father.

The alternatives: Arokodare and Jackson on the list

Napoli does not want to be caught unprepared in case the Hojlund track does not materialize. At the top of the list of alternatives is Tolu Arokodare, 24 years old, striker from Genk: imposing physique, contained cost and profile suitable for a sustainable investment.

Followed by Nicolas Jackson from Chelsea, the same age as Arokodare, but with a higher salary and a valuation that requires more complex negotiations. Also under observation is Artem Dovbyk, 28 years old, who could be part of a larger discussion depending on market developments.

The paradox of the squad and the Lukaku factor

Napoli already has two economically heavy strikers on the books, a factor that slows down an immediate investment on Hojlund. Furthermore, the injury of Romelu Lukaku and the need to remain competitive on multiple fronts, including the Champions League, make the choice of the striker a crucial step for the season.

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