Man Utd had Arsenal striker as transfer target before Hojlund

Jacque Talbot

• 29 Jul 2023 12:40 BST
• 3 min read

Erik ten Hag had identified Arsenal’s Folarin Balogun as a possible transfer target for Manchester United earlier in the window.

The striker is expected to leave Arsenal this summer window after a trailblazing season for Reims last season, in which he scored 22 goals in 39 games while on loan.

The Dutchman held interest in the Balogun but then opted to move for Rasmus Hojlund, who is set to arrive from Atalanta, reports the Independent.

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Balogun is being looked at by Inter, who see the USA international as their top target. But Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta recently said he wanted to have a look at the player during pre-season.

“He’s done incredibly well. Now we have to think about what is best to do.”

Man Utd are hoping to wrap up a deal for Hojlund soon and are increasingly confident in bringing the youngster to the club ahead of the new season.

It is thought that the Old Trafford side are willing to pay £60million for Hojlund, who netted 10 goals for Atalanta last term.

Ten Hag has been in the hunt for another striking addition after Cristiano Ronaldo was released from his contract last year - he had to rely on Burnley loanee Wout Weghorst, who joined in January, for the second half of the 2022-23 season.

Erik ten Hag wants another No.9

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The manager is still after a classic No.9 to come in after Hojlund - someone the ilk of Harry Kane, whose future is still undecided.

Bayern Munich has been linked to the Tottenham hero too, and the club have claimed to be confident in purchasing the striker.

Man Utd could revive their interest in Kane but they know they would have to find an agreement with Daniel Levy, which could prove difficult.