Manchester United are likely to move for a new striker this summer and could look towards the Italian market once again.
Rasmus Hojlund celebrated ending his goal drought before the international break as Manchester United beat Leicester City 3-0.
The Dane had been struggling for goals, but will hopefully find some momentum once United return from the break.
United still need to find another striker this summer, though, especially with Joshua Zirkzee now impressing as a number 10.
Chido Obi has huge potential, but a major first-team role at this stage in his development may be a little too much.
That leaves United to look for another striker, and another name his now being linked with a move to Old Trafford.
Manchester United want Udinese’s Lorenzo Lucca
United continue to be linked with Hugo Ekitike, but the Eintracht Frankfurt forward is expected to cost around €80million (£67million).
That may leave United to consider cheaper alternatives, with Udinese’s Lorenzo Lucca now emerging as a summer target.
Tuttomercatoweb claim that United are joining the race to sign Lucca at the end of the season.
Napoli are already interested in signing Lucca, whilst the report claims that West Ham United are also keen.
Udinese are demanding €35million (£29million) for Lucca this summer, meaning he would be much, much cheaper than Ekitike.
Lucca is a towering presence at 6ft 7in tall, representing a true target man in the final third.
The 24-year-old emerged with Vicenza and Torino before catching the eye with 14 goals in 30 games for Palermo.
The goals didn’t really flow at Pisa or Ajax, but Lucca has now hit 21 goals in 70 games with Udinese – sparking United’s interest.
| Position | Team | Played MP | Won W | Drawn D | Lost L | For GF | Against GA | Diff GD | Points Pts |
| 11 |  BrentfordBrentford | 29 | 12 | 5 | 12 | 50 | 45 | 5 | 41 |
| 12 |  Crystal PalaceCrystal Palace | 28 | 10 | 9 | 9 | 36 | 33 | 3 | 39 |
| 13 |  Man UtdManchester United | 29 | 10 | 7 | 12 | 37 | 40 | -3 | 37 |
| 14 |  TottenhamTottenham | 29 | 10 | 4 | 15 | 55 | 43 | 12 | 34 |
| 15 |  EvertonEverton | 29 | 7 | 13 | 9 | 32 | 36 | -4 | 34 |
Lorenzo Lucca hailed in Italy
United’s last two first-team centre forward signings have both come from Serie A.
Rasmus Hojlund joined United from Atalanta in 2023 before United returned to the Italian market to sign Joshua Zirkzee from Bologna last year.
United could now repeat the trick with a move for Lucca, who has been praised by Udinese teammate Maduka Okoye.
Speaking to The Italian Football Podcast earlier this season, Okoye suggested that Lucca is a ‘very special player’ who possesses incredible height.
Okoye praised Lucca’s other abilities, though, suggesting that he has qualities that you wouldn’t expect a tall striker to possess.
“He’s already a top-level striker, but like myself, we are young, and we have to work on a lot of stuff,” said Okoye.
“He has all the qualities, he has the special height – not every striker is two metres tall! Still, he has the abilities of a striker who is not that all, so he’s a very special player,” he added.
United would be taking something of a gamble on Lucca given this lack of sustained success elsewhere, but the giant striker is one to watch ahead of the summer.
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