Torino’s Andrea Belotti emerged as the latest target for Man Utd.
According to a report from The Daily Mail, Manchester United are interested in signing Torino striker Andrea Belotti as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is looking for attacking reinforcements ahead of next season. Belotti, who is also on the transfer radar of Inter Milan, is understood to be transferable only if his £36m valuation, bid by Fiorentina earlier this year, is met. The 26-year-old is also looking keen on a move to a top club this summer however Torino are likely to convince their star striker to stay put by ensuring European football next season or beyond. Juventus were the club seldom linked with Belotti, while even the former Italian international Claudio Marchisio urged Bianconeri to sign his compatriot this summer.
Solskjaer is looking to add another striker ranks as the loanee Odion Ighalo will see out his deal at the end of this season. Anthony Martial has been of great form lately, and the Norwegian manager is keen on strengthening the centre-forward position.
Belotti’s success with Torino has been often overlooked while he still manages to be the priority for Roberto Mancini’s Italy side – 27 caps thus far. In the ongoing season, the former Palermo star has bagged 22 goals in all competitions – including the Europa League qualify games – and has also added six assists to his name. Belotti is just nine goals shy of reaching his 100th goal mark for Torino in all competitions – a remarkable stat in such a short period.
United’s attack has been devastating since the return from the COVID break as Martial and Marcus Rashford are looking more synchronous and productive than before. While there remains a question on who should United sign to offload the workload of the Frenchman, Belotti can’t be the answer. The Italian is by no means a bad player, but in the clubs like Inter and Juve, he could cherish more game time than at United. Furthermore, the Red Devils are said to be keen on landing Jadon Sancho at Old Trafford next summer and would likely to shell out a huge transfer fee in the process. And it is also imperative for the Manucians to sign a creative winger, who could compete with Daniel James. Hence the transfer of Belotti looks necessary given that Martial has been enjoying his best season yet at the Old Trafford.
The Red Devils picked up a stalemate against Southampton, which has hardened their chances for a place in the top four. Although they are back in the track with a win against Crystal Palace, next week’s fixture against Leicester would decide their fate.
