Transfer Centre

Chelsea 'join Arsenal, Manchester United in Rasmus Hojlund race'

By Ben Sully | 03 April 2023

Chelsea 'join Arsenal, Man United in Rasmus Hojlund race'

Chelsea reportedly enter the race to sign Atalanta BC striker Ramus Hojlund, who is also attracting interest from Arsenal and Manchester United.

Chelsea are reportedly set to rival Arsenal and Manchester United for the signature of Atalanta BC striker Rasmus Hojlund.

The Denmark international only joined Atalanta from Sturm Graz last summer, but he has already made a significant impact.

Across 26 competitive appearances for the Italian side, Hojlund has scored eight goals and provided three assists.

The 20-year-old has also made his mark for his country after scoring five goals during the recent international break.

Hojlund scored his first hat-trick in senior football during Denmark's 3-1 win over Finland in Euro 2024 qualifying before registering a brace in a 3-2 defeat to Kazakhstan.

Denmark's Rasmus Hojlund celebrates scoring their second goal on March 23, 2023 © Reuters

Despite being under contract with Atalanta until June 2027, Hojlund is already attracting interest from the Premier League.

A recent report claimed that Arsenal are preparing to submit a €50m (£44.2m) for the Dane in the upcoming transfer window.

Man United are also looking to strengthen their forward line with on-loan striker Wout Weghorst and Anthony Martial set to leave this summer.

The likes of Harry Kane and Victor Osimhen have been linked, but the Red Devils have also identified Hojlund as a possible option.

According to the Daily Mail, Arsenal and Man United are set to face competition from Premier League rivals Chelsea.

Chelsea co-owner and chairman Todd Boehly before the match on March 4, 2023 © Reuters

The Blues will sign RB Leipzig's Christopher Nkunku this summer, while there are discussions taking place about signing Atletico Madrid loanee Joao Felix on a permanent deal.

However, they still want to sign a striker that is comfortable playing through the middle, and Hojlund could fit the bill.

Chelsea recently invited Atalanta chairman Antonio Percassi for the second leg of their Champions League last-16 tie against Borussia Dortmund, where the youngster's availability was reportedly discussed.

Acquiring Hojlund would require another significant financial outlay from the Chelsea owners, with Atalanta looking to receive a fee in the region of £60m.

Following Graham Potter's sacking on Sunday, any potential move for Hojlund may have to be backed by the new manager.