Napoli, the current Serie A champions, are close to finalizing the loan signing of Danish striker Rasmus Højlund from Manchester United to cover for the absence of Belgian Romelu Lukaku, who is sidelined for several months due to injury. Lukaku suffered a left thigh injury during a friendly against Olympiakos on August 14 and is expected to be out for up to four months, missing the start of the new season. According to Sky Sport Italia, Napoli aims to secure Højlund on a one-year loan with an option to buy for 45 million euros after the 22-year-old agreed to personal terms and Manchester United accepted the contract conditions. This fee is significantly lower than the 77 million euros Manchester United paid to Atalanta in summer 2023. Napoli had also been linked with AC Milan for Højlund but accelerated negotiations after Lukaku’s injury became clear.

Napoli recently signed Lorenzo Lucca and strengthened their squad with other signings including Kevin De Bruyne, Miguel Gutierrez, and others.