Manchester United Open to Talks as Inter Pursue Forward Loan Deal | OneFootball

Rasmus Højlund and Inter Milan: A Transfer on the Boil

As Manchester United continue recalibrating their forward line, the name of Rasmus Højlund lingers with increasing weight. According to Corriere dello Sport, the Danish striker could soon be at the centre of a transfer tug-of-war, with Inter Milan firmly watching developments. It is an intriguing subplot in the reshaping of United’s attack, one that speaks volumes about ambition, expectation, and football’s unrelenting need for results.

United’s Rebuild and Højlund’s Uncertain Role

Having spent £70 million two summers ago to prise Højlund from Atalanta, United’s return has been meagre. Just four goals in 32 Premier League appearances last season has led to questions over whether the 22-year-old fits into new coach Amorim’s vision. As the report noted, “una scintilla mai scattata con Amorim,” highlighting the lack of chemistry or breakthrough under the Portuguese.

United have already moved. The big-money arrival of Cunha from Brazil, alongside interest in Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo and PSG’s Hugo Ekitike, signals a decisive shift. Their attack is undergoing a refit, and as Corriere dello Sport rightly observes, “lasciar passare qualche settimana potrebbe essere una strategia vantaggiosa per l’Inter.” Timing, in this market, is everything.

Inter’s Long-Term Vision for Højlund

Inter see Højlund as the final piece in a puzzle that has long lacked youthful depth behind Lautaro Martínez and Marcus Thuram. Their failures with ageing strikers like Correa, Arnautović and Taremi are cautionary tales. Højlund offers a modern alternative — physical, mobile, and already familiar with Serie A. “L’ex attaccante dell’Atalanta è uno degli obiettivi dei nerazzurri per il reparto avanzato,” the article underlines.

At 22, Højlund represents a forward-thinking solution. He would “rimettersi in gioco in un calcio che già conosce come quello italiano,” and be allowed to flourish in a system less chaotic than what he experienced at Old Trafford. Champions League football also beckons — a stage that could help him rediscover the prolific form that made him a standout in Bergamo.

Transfer Formula Holds the Key

The impasse lies in structure. United are demanding a permanent sale, priced between £40 and £45 million, while Inter favour a loan with an option to buy. As it stands, “gli inglesi pensano solo alla cessione definitiva,” while Inter “vuole un semplice prestito con diritto di riscatto.” Both positions are understandable, yet immovable — United seek financial recuperation, Inter strategic flexibility.

What tips the scales could be pragmatism. “I Red Devils… potrebbero cedere alla proposta, anziché tenersi in rosa un giocatore scontento, da impiegare poco e a rischio svalutazione.” It’s a line that encapsulates modern football business logic. A deal could make sense for both parties, if ego and economics are put aside.

Why Inter Need This Done Quickly

For Chivu and his staff, this deal needs closing. Inter’s summer plans hinge on having their offensive unit intact early, with pre-season prep and a new-look American tournament on the horizon. The club also remain interested in Bonny of Parma, but Højlund remains the priority. The next few weeks, post-World Cup, could be crucial.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

This has all the makings of a transformative signing. If Inter can pull this off — and do it on their terms — it shows a club that’s finally learning from past missteps. We’ve been burned by ageing forwards who’ve added little beyond reputation. Højlund is different. He’s quick, aggressive, and still has years of development ahead. Getting him on loan with a buy option would be a masterstroke.

From a supporter’s angle, it’s also refreshing to see the club plan beyond the here and now. Lautaro and Thuram need rotation, and Højlund brings depth without ego. He’s hungry, which is half the battle. Yes, four goals in England isn’t great, but United is a mess right now — that shouldn’t define him. Back in Italy, he could thrive again.

The only worry is the financials. If United refuse a loan and demand £45 million up front, we might walk away. That would be frustrating, especially when you consider we’ve spent big elsewhere with mixed returns. This feels like a real opportunity. Don’t overthink it, Inter. Close the deal.