Mateo Retegui, the rising Italian forward playing for Atalanta, has been turning heads with his remarkable goal-scoring prowess this season. During Atalanta's recent 5-0 thrashing of Hellas Verona, Retegui showcased his exceptional talent by netting four goals, solidifying his position at the top of the Serie A scoring charts with 20 goals. Retegui’s impressive form hasn’t gone unnoticed, as he has attracted significant interest from several Premier League clubs, including Manchester United and Arsenal.
Retegui, who joined Atalanta from Genoa last summer, has certainly exceeded expectations, scoring 20 times across all competitions within just 22 league appearances this season. After making waves during his loan spell at Tigre, where he struck gold with 30 goals, his successful transition to European football was initially viewed as promising. Still, few could have predicted the level of success he would achieve so swiftly. His outstanding performance has put him firmly on the radar of elite clubs.
According to reports, both Manchester United and Arsenal have made preliminary contacts with Atalanta’s management to explore the possibility of signing Retegui. Reports from French publication Foot Mercato indicate Arsenal and Manchester United are not the only ones showing interest; Paris Saint-Germain has also entered the fray. Retegui's spectacular performances—most recently highlighted by his four-goal display against Verona—have made him one of the most sought-after strikers across Europe.
At the age of 25, he’s proven he can handle pressure and deliver when it matters, but Atalanta is under no obligation to sell him anytime soon, as he is contracted until 2028. The Italian side paid €28 million for him last summer, meaning any potential sale would require significantly higher offers. Atalanta’s manager, Gian Piero Gasperini, expressed his excitement about Retegui's contributions but added, "He’s extraordinary when the team dominates, like today. There are also games where he doesn’t dominate, when you are forced to defend and there is room for improvement.”
Also, the growing competition for Retegui could lead to a bidding war, with clubs potentially needing to offer upwards of €50-60 million to secure his signature, reflecting the confident game he has developed. Manchester United’s interest stems from their need for attacking reinforcement, as their current strikers, Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee, have struggled this season. Hojlund has only scored two goals from 19 Premier League appearances, raising concerns about his ability to lead the line effectively.
United is reportedly preparing to formally approach Atalanta and could be motivated by the challenges they face with their existing attacking options. Retegui’s record is starkly impressive—66 minutes per goal during this season, making him the top scorer not only for Atalanta but one of the leading scorers among Europe’s top five leagues. Manchester United’s pursuit of Retegui highlights their urgent need to secure new talent capable of scoring consistently, but UK media have raised concerns about whether Retegui’s Serie A success translates to Premier League competitiveness.
Notably, Arsenal also would like to add more firepower to their squad, with Mikel Arteta also keeping tabs on Retegui. With both clubs vying for his signature, they will have to contend with Atalanta’s demands and possibly the prospect of elevative bidding. The assessments of players such as Dominic Calvert-Lewin are indicative of the type of risky gambles clubs want to avoid. So, bringing in someone like Retegui—who has already delivered outstanding performances and has the potential to evolve as a player at the highest level—could prove pivotal for either squad.
While Retegui’s physicality and goal-scoring abilities fit the mold for English football, the transition from Serie A to Premier League competition remains uncertain. Manchester United coach Ruben Amorim’s attempt to bolster the attacking front raises questions about the future of players like Rashford, Zirkzee, and even Hojlund. Fans yearn for clarity surrounding those player’s futures as the club takes this summer to revamp their squad. With the pursuit of Retegui still lit, the impending summer transfer window promises to be significant for United as they look to solidify their attacking options.
Retegui’s next steps raise intriguing possibilities for the player himself as well as fans of potential suitors. His outstanding form provides hope for teams seeking revitalization and the chance to bring home someone who could potentially be key to future successes. For now, as clubs line up for his signature, the urgency to secure Retegui's remarkable talents plays out against the backdrop of his undeniable contributions to Atalanta's campaign this season.