Atalanta striker Mateo Retegui is reported to be on the transfer radar of Manchester United and Arsenal, with both sides in need of a goalscorer ahead of next season.

Retegui has scored 20 goals in Serie A so far in 2024/25, the first player in the history of Italy’s top flight to have reached that milestone by this stage of a campaign. He is also firmly in the European Golden Shoe race alongside Mohamed Salah (22) and Harry Kane (21).

It is therefore understandable why the 25-year-old would be of interest to other clubs in need of a consistent goalscorer. Manchester United front men Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee are unpolished development projects, while Arsenal have lacked a reliable striker since Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s form very suddenly hit the bricks after signing a lucrative new contract in 2020.

Foot Mercato notes that both Premier League sides have already been in contact with Atalanta, with Aston Villa and Paris Saint-Germain also rumoured suitors.

Retegui has exploded from relative obscurity. It was as recently as 2023 that he arrived in Italy from his native Argentina, signed by Genoa from Boca Juniors but having much of his career success up to that during two years on loan with lesser known club Tigre.

Seven Serie A goals off the bat last season wasn’t an outstanding number, but he was already an Italy international – eligible through his Sicilian grandfather – before even leaving South America. But Atalanta saw enough to lay down €28m to sign the player, additionally prompted by Gianluca Scamacca suffering a long-term knee injury, and have reaped the rewards.

Retegui has a contract with Atalanta until 2028.

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