Manchester United get Kolo Muani boost as Frankfurt open talks with replacement

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Manchester United’s hopes of bringing Randal Kolo Muani to the Premier League may be rising.

Eintracht Frankfurt are reportedly in talks to sign Italy international Mateo Retegui as a potential replacement. 

With negotiations regarding a deal for Bayer Leverkusen’s rampaging right-back Jeremie Frimpong underway, do not rule out the prospect of another exciting Bundesliga talent arriving to add some much-needed quality to Erik ten Hag’s rather thin squad.

Leverkusen have already snapped up a Frimpong replacement in the shape of Brazilian youngster Arthur. And, while Frankfurt remain hopeful of keeping Kolo Muani for another year, it seems that Die Adler may be taking a leaf out of Bayer’s book.

According to Sky Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg, talks between Frankfurt and the Argentine-born Italy international Mateo Retegui have begun.

Sporting director Markus Krosche, Plettenberg adds, is ‘pushing’ hard to bring in a man who has scored 34 goals in his last 55 games for club and country. And while Retegui’s £12 million-plus price-tag is reasonable, Frankfurt certainly would not be short of funds if Kolo Muani does depart. 

Just one year after arriving on a free transfer from FC Nantes, Kolo Muani is reportedly valued in the region of £80 million. A colossal sum, yes. But still less than Man United were quoted for the likes of Victor Osimhen, Goncalo Ramos and Harry Kane.

The Manchester Evening News reports that Ten Hag is an admirer.

Manchester United like Eintracht Frankfurt’s Randal Kolo Muani

While not as prolific as the aforementioned trio, Kolo Muani looks a perfect fit for Ten Hag’s system. The Frenchman is versatile, skilful, and a creator of goals as well as a scorer of them. Kolo Muani has 17 goals and 14 assists this term. He’d provide Ten Hag with a younger, fitter alternative to Anthony Martial.

Italian reporter Ciro Venerato, speaking to AreaNapoli, believes that Retegui – the rising star of the Azzurri – has been lined up by Frankfurt with Kolo Muani’s departure in mind. The Europa League holders are no strangers to selling and replacing star attackers. They have lost Ante Rebic, Andre Silva, Sebastien Haller and Luka Jovic in recent transfer windows.

“I can confirm that Eintracht Frankfurt is on Retegui’s trail,” Venerato begins. “Also because Kolo Muani will leave. Leeds and the two Milanese clubs (AC and Inter) are also on the player.”

Krosche has publicly announced his intension to retain Kolo Muani’s services. In private, however, it seems that Frankfurt are leaving nothing to chance.

“Basically, we have no intention of selling Randal Kolo Muani,” Krosche told Sport1 last week. “But the hype about him is understandable and completely fine. He deserves that after his great performances.

“We want to continue on this path with him. (We will) not necessarily sell him. Another season with us would certainly do him good.

“Randal still has many topics on which he can work; on his robustness, on tactical things. He still has limits. But that is completely normal.”