United initiate move to sign red-hot Serie A forward after stunning goal haul last season – report

Manchester United have reportedly made contact, presumably to explore the conditions of a deal for Bologna attacker Riccardo Orsolini.

United looking for attacking reinforcements

After a goal-shy 2024/25 campaign that ended with United in 15th place and on a -10 goal difference, bolstering the forward positions was United’s top priority heading into the summer transfer window.

Already, United have secured the services of Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo from Wolverhampton Wanderers and Brentford respectively.

But, the Red Devils are also expected to make a move for a striker, with club bosses eager to ensure Ruben Amorim has sufficient firepower next season.

At the moment, United seem to be almost exclusively linked to strikers but a new report has suggested they’re looking at a Serie A wide player – Orsolini.

United make contact for Orsolini

Orsolini has been at Bologna since 2018 and enjoyed the most prolific season of his career in 2024/25.

The Italian plundered an impressive 15 goals and provided an additional four assists in 30 Serie A appearances. Across all competitions, he managed 17 goals.

His performances have attracted attention from both Europe and the Saudi Pro League, with Al-Qadsiah believed to be an interested party in his signature.

And according to Il Resto del Carlino [via SportWitness], United are also keeping tabs on the situation.

The report claims that United have come forward for Orsolini and “made a call” in a bid to lure him to Old Trafford this summer.

In addition to Al-Qadsiah, United may also have to ward off competition from Portuguese giants Porto and Bologna’s Serie A rivals, AC Milan.

Bologna have no desire to sanction a sale for the 28-year-old and are looking to tie him down to a new long-term contract to keep suitors away.

A few days ago, Orsolini revealed that several clubs have reached out to him but he wants to continue at Stadio Renato Dall’Ara.

The Italy international said [as quoted by Football Italia], “Let’s just say that I received some calls from Italian teams and foreign in recent days.”

“We haven’t yet talked about an extension to 2029, for now I was just told to go into pre-season training and get to work. In all honesty, the club has other priorities right now.”

“At the end of the day, they are all personal decisions to be respected, but unless something remarkable happens, then I am staying here.”

Featured image Marco Rosi via Getty Images

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