Arsenal are said to have set their sights on Rasmus Hojlund from Atalanta in the summer transfer window, but will face competition from Real Madrid. The 20-year-old has caught the eye of top clubs across Europe following his impressive performances in the Serie A this season.
The Gunners have heavily invested into their attack in recent months with Gabriel Jesus completing a £45million move to the Emirates Stadium last summer, before Leandro Trossard signed from Brighton in January. Gabriel Martinelli became the latest player to commit his long-term future to the club, signing a new contract until 2027 on improved terms to reward his development.
Among the club's priorities now is to extend Bukayo Saka's current deal, which is set to expire in 2024. It now looks as though Edu is ready to invest transfer funds in the attack once again ahead of next season with Champions League qualification looking highly likely, whilst a possible Premier League title would also improve finances at the club.
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So, who is Rasmus Hojlund and what could he offer Arsenal if was to be signed by Edu and Mikel Arteta? football.london takes a look.
Rasmus Winther Hojlund is a 20-year-old striker that plays for Atalanta in the Serie A and Denmark's national team. Hojlund began his professional career with Copenhagen after impressing for their Under-19s.
The Danish striker scored five goals in 32 appearances for his hometown club before making the switch to Sturm Graz in 2022, before then being bought by Atalanta for £15million last summer. His move to Italy came after scoring 12 goals and providing four assists in just 21 games for Sturm Graz.
In his debut season for Atalanta, Hojlund has scored seven goals and provided two assists in 21 games so far and proved to be a crucial player for Gian Piero Gasperini. Hojlund also comes from a family of footballers.
Even though his father never left Denmark and never won an international cap, his son has already done that at the age of 20. When asked about who Hojlund plays similar to, Antonio Cassano rather witheringly said: "If you think about who he resembles, Haaland quickly comes to mind, but I like Hojlund and I don't like Haaland."
The comparisons to the Manchester City striker have also been highlighted by Atalanta coach Gasperini. "The characteristics are very similar, especially in accelerations," Gasperini stated.
"He is a very fast player, he does the 100 meters in less than 11 seconds. For his height, he has a low centre of gravity and an incredible stride frequency.
"I'm convinced he will have a great career. Technically, he always shows different and better things".
According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, the Denmark international's market price already exceeds €40million (£35.2million). The same publication have reported that Arsenal are preparing a 'mega-money' move for Hojlund who has also acquired interest from Spanish giants Real Madrid.
Atalanta captain Rafael Toloi has also spoken highly of the Danish striker in interviews. Toloi recently said: "Hojlund is a great talent, physically strong and with great speed.
"He has everything he needs to be great and is working with the right coach and with the right team." It remains to be seen whether the Gunners will be able to afford a move for Hojlund given his current contract is set to expire in 2027, putting Atalanta in a strong bargaining position.
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