Man United transfer news: Striker approach 'rejected' before Viktor Gyokeres, Victor Osimhen blows

Manchester United failed with an approach to sign Inter Milan striker Francesco Pio Esposito during the January transfer window, according to a report.

The Red Devils remain in the market for a new number nine ahead of the 2025-26 campaign, having given up hope of capturing either Viktor Gyokeres or Victor Osimhen in the current window.

On Sunday, reports emerged claiming that Man United could potentially hijack Arsenal's swoop for Gyokeres, as the Gunners are yet to reach a complete agreement with Sporting Lisbon due to disagreements over the add-ons structure.

However, it is only a matter of time before Arsenal and their Portuguese counterparts reach a breakthrough, and Gyokeres himself only has eyes for a switch to the red half of North London too.

Furthermore, Osimhen is primed to join Galatasaray from Napoli on a permanent deal, thus ending Man United's chances of capturing another one of their reported top number nine targets.

Man United transfer approach for Esposito 'turned down' in January

The Red Devils' search for attacking reinforcements began long before the summer, though, as Football Italia claims that the 20-time English champions tried their luck with an approach for Esposito in January.

The 2005-born striker excelled on loan for Spezia in the 2024-25 season with 19 goals in Serie B, although the second-tier side suffered a heartbreaking loss to Cremonese in the promotion playoff final.

Esposito also made his mark at the Club World Cup for Inter Milan this summer, registering one goal and one assist in two appearances but missing their last-16 loss to Fluminense with muscle fatigue.

Both Man United and Atalanta BC reportedly touched base with Inter to enquire about Esposito, but the Nerazzurri have a 'long-term plan' for the 20-year-old and will not consider any bids for his services this summer.

Esposito's contract at San Siro runs until the end of the 2029-30 campaign, meaning that the Champions League runners-up are under no pressure to sell him in the current window, and they have extremely high hopes for his future at the club.

Could Man United still poach a striker from Inter Milan?

While Inter have no need to sell Esposito right now, they will have to convince the 20-year-old that there is a pathway to the first team, but that pathway is currently blocked by Lautaro Martinez and Marcus Thuram.

Furthermore, the Nerazzurri are working on an agreement to sign Atalanta BC's Ademola Lookman, who would also be expected to operate up front and would immediately push Esposito further down the pecking order.

Another loan exit could therefore be on the cards for the 20-year-old, but as Martinez, Lookman and Thuram are in their primes, it is not impossible to envisage Esposito having to wait even longer for his breakthrough.

The youngster may eventually get tired of waiting, but Inter can boost his first-team prospects by selling Thuram, who is still of serious interest to the Premier League according to La Repubblica, via FCInterNews.

It is unclear whether Man United are one of the teams pursuing the Frenchman, who would fit the bill in terms of what Ruben Amorim is after, although his £73.6m release clause might prove prohibitive.

Written by
Ben Knapton