Benched Man Utd Star Eyes Napoli Escape Route as Fresh Transfer Talks Heat Up Under Amorim

Napoli have countered AC Milan's intensified pursuit of Rasmus Højlund and may now emerge as the Manchester United forward's favored transfer option.

The possibility of Højlund departing Old Trafford this summer has grown substantially as the September 1 transfer window closure approaches. The Danish striker originally expressed publicly his intention to remain, but Benjamin Šeško's recent signing has reportedly coincided with a change in his stance. He was subsequently omitted entirely from the matchday roster for Arsenal's weekend visit to Old Trafford.

Højlund's previous team, Atalanta, has been suggested as a potential landing spot following the unexpected transfer of Mateo Retegui, last campaign's Serie A leading goalscorer, to Saudi Arabian club Al Quadsiah. However, AC Milan have been most prominently connected and were reported in Italian media this week to have advanced negotiations by securing an arrangement with Manchester United for a loan deal with a mandatory purchase clause.

This development seemed to position the Rossoneri considerably ahead of Napoli, but the current Italian titleholders are now accelerating their own efforts. Fabrizio Romano reports that "fresh contact" was initiated from Napoli to Manchester United on Wednesday and discussions regarding a transfer are "in progress".

Højlund himself is reportedly "enthusiastic" about the potential transfer and consequently negotiations with his representatives regarding personal terms are also happening simultaneously. The crucial element, though, is assurances that joining Napoli wouldn't constitute a temporary single-season arrangement—he seeks "commitments" for an extended tenure.

Whether as a direct result or coincidentally, Milan's striker focus appears to have suddenly shifted away from Højlund. Advancement has been achieved in attempts to acquire Bayer Leverkusen's Victor Boniface, who would almost definitely serve as an alternative to Højlund, not an additional signing.

Based on an earlier Fabrizio Romano report released just before the Napoli-Højlund development, "official paperwork" is being drafted for a Boniface loan arrangement with a €30 million (£26 million, $35 million) purchase option, following verbal consensus between Milan and Leverkusen. However, the Nigerian striker must still personally approve the move and discussions with his representative continue.