Manchester United Initiate Contact Over £112m Serie A Raid Targeting Inter Sensation and Atalanta Midfielder

Manchester United makes contact for Inter's Pio Esposito and targets Atalanta's Ederson in a £112m double swoop to rebuild their spine.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 14, 2026, 7:02 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Football365

Hunting for a Long-Term Replacement for Joshua Zirkzee

Manchester United’s recruitment team is actively scouring the Italian market for a center-forward capable of providing genuine competition for Benjamin Sesko. With Joshua Zirkzee’s future at Old Trafford appearing increasingly uncertain, the Red Devils have identified Inter Milan’s Pio Esposito as a high-potential successor. At just 20 years of age, Esposito has already earned five caps for the Italian national team and is regarded as one of the most clinical young finishers in Serie A. While Arsenal was previously linked with the attacker, United has now moved into the frontrunner position among Premier League suitors, initiating contact to gauge Inter’s willingness to negotiate a potential summer exit.

Inter Milan Sets Defensive Valuation on Future Asset

Securing Esposito will require a significant financial commitment, as Inter Milan views the striker as a cornerstone of their long-term project. Reports from Italy suggest that the Nerazzurri have placed a defensive €100 million (£86 million) price tag on the youngster to deter international interest while they attempt to finalize a contract extension. However, United is prepared to maintain a "watching brief," banking on the possibility that the lure of the Premier League might prevent Esposito from signing new terms. If the player signals a desire for a new challenge, United’s hierarchy is ready to pivot from monitoring to a formal bidding process.

A Bargain Opportunity to Anchor the Midfield

In addition to their search for a striker, Manchester United is intensifying its pursuit of Atalanta’s Ederson Silva. The 26-year-old Brazilian has been identified by INEOS as a cost-effective solution to the void left by the departing Casemiro. In a significant shift in market dynamics, Ederson’s valuation has reportedly plummeted from £60.5 million to a "bargain" fee of just £26 million. This price reduction stems from the player’s refusal to renew his current contract, which expires in 2027, forcing Atalanta to consider immediate offers to avoid a further decline in his transfer value.