Inter move to lock down Pio Esposito as Napoli & Man Utd background revealed | OneFootball

Inter are moving to secure the long-term future of Pio Esposito, with transfer journalist Alfredo Pedulla reporting the Nerazzurri are ready to commit firmly to the striker who turns 21 today.

It caps a breakout campaign for the forward, who returned from a prolific loan at Spezia to score seven Serie A goals and play his part in Inter’s domestic double.

He also broke into the senior Italy setup, scoring against Greece in a recent friendly, a rare bright spot for an Azzurri side that missed this summer’s World Cup.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Pedulla first moved to clarify the timeline of past interest from abroad.

“There’s a lot of talk about Pio Esposito’s renewal. People are also talking about English clubs who courted him, but that’s old news, it dates back to January 2025,” he said.

“When I told you about a situation involving both Manchester United and Leicester, that was back in those days, even before he stayed at Inter.”

MILAN, ITALY – APRIL 17: Ze Pedro of Cagliari is challenged by Francesco Pio Esposito of Inter during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Cagliari Calcio at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on April 17, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Pedulla: Foreign interest in Pio Esposito traced to Spezia spell

Pedulla explained that Esposito’s form in Serie B had drawn close attention from one Premier League heavyweight in particular.

“Pio was watched in every game at Spezia by United,” he added.

“Napoli also thought about him last summer. They were ready to put down incredible figures for the fee and the wages.”

On the deal itself, Pedulla offered specifics: “I think he’ll sign a five-year contract worth 3.5 to 4 million per season, plus four million as a fixed component, with bonuses.”