Pio Esposito: Why Man United’s pursuit of Inter Milan striker failed

Manchester United’s plan to bolster their frontline saw an approach made for Inter Milan striker Francisco Pio Esposito earlier this summer, according to an Italian football expert.

One In, One Out

While a major revamp in midfield has been the most pressing priority for at Old Trafford, Manchester United have been exploring targets on both the left wing and up front.

Joshua Zirkzee’s barren run in front of goal continued last season, bringing his tally in a red shirt to a paltry nine goals in 75 appearances since signing from Serie A side Bologna in 2024. The 25-year-old Dutchman has been strongly linked with a return to Italy.

By contrast, Benjamin Sesko enjoyed a superb run in the second half of his debut campaign, following the arrival of Michael Carrick in January to replace Ruben Amorim. No other player in the Premier League had a better goal-scoring rate per minute than the Slovenia international from January onwards. He finished the season with 12 goals in all competitions.

INEOS are intent on adding more firepower to Carrick’s attack, and are willing to sell Zirkzee in order to fund it. A more reliable and experienced No.9 is on the radar, though the hierarchy are willing to make exceptions if a target is such that it is worth doing so – as Esposito would be, or AFC Bournemouth wonderkid Eli Kroupi Junior.

Italy’s Next Great Striker

In recent years, the dearth of quality strikers has been felt by Italian football. It stands in stark contrast to the legendary figures of the recent past, like Alessandro Del Piero, Francesco Totti or a more traditional No.9 such as Luca Toni.

But this is why the emerge of Esposito – Inter Milan’s 21-year-old sensation – has created such excitement for Gli Azzurri.

Already possessing an imposing 6’3″ frame, ‘Pio’ is a modern centre-forward. He is as capable holding the ball up as he is spinning and running in behind, offering excellent link up play and surprising mobility for a striker of that size.

10 goals and six assists in all competitions last season is an impressive return for a youngster often playing from the bench. A host of Europe’s top clubs – including Manchester United – have expressed interest in the Italy international.

Pio Esposito Stats: 2025/26 Season

Arsenal and Newcastle United were also in the hunt, but Serie A expert Alfredo Pedulla claims the interest was “especially” strong from Old Trafford this summer. This suggests INEOS were willing to add a younger profile to their frontline than expected.

However, Pedulla reveals Inter Milan have no intention of selling their academy graduate, offering his suitors “no room for manoeuvre” as no offer would have “broken their resistance”.

Despite Esposito having signed a new deal until 2030 in April, Gianluca Di Marzio states I Nerazzurri are closing on another contract extension, with improved terms, to further ward off his suitors.

Final Thoughts

Esposito is one of the most exciting attacking prospects in Europe, with an obvious need for a more reliable No.9 at Old Trafford to share the burden with Sesko. This explains Manchester United’s interest in the Naples native, but also sheds light on why Inter Milan are prepared to pull out all the stops to keep him at the San Siro for the foreseeable future.

The Peoples Person Reliability Assessment

Overall credibility: 9/10

Why?
The player fits Manchester United’s recruitment model.
Alfredo Pedulla is one of the most reliable Serie A experts.
Independently backed up by other independent outlets. 
  No official confirmation on an extension or an offer yet.

TPP view: We believe Manchester United hold a firm interest in Esposito, but Inter Milan’s resolute stance rules out any hope of a deal.

Featured image Alessandro Sabattini via Getty Images

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