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Krzysztof Piatek has emerged as one of the prime targets of the January transfer window with a series of European giants presently circling the San Siro and awaiting the opportune time to make a swoop.
Manchester United are the latest contenders to have joined the race for the AC Milan star, having made an approach to sign him a few days ago. The Red Devils were already lacking in the attacking slots after they sold Romelu Lukaku and Alexis Sanchez to Inter Milan last summer. They were heavily criticised for their failure to bring in replacements for the duo and the appraisal was made worse when they missed out on the signing of Erling Haaland to Borussia Dortmund over the holidays.
David Ornstein of The Athletic recently claimed that the Manchester giants had contacted AC Milan over the possibility of signing Piatek in the ongoing transfer window but face stiff competition from fellow Premier League clubs Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United.
Without further ado, we take a look at three reasons why Manchester United should push to sign Piatek in the winter window:
#1 The Red Devils need a quintessential number nine
Manchester United's need for an archetypal number nine has spanned several months, much to the ire and disappointment of the Old Trafford faithful. Solskjaer had attempted to deploy Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial in the role before- and has been successful- but the duo appears to be more suited to playing on the wings.
The Premier League giants currently lack both quality and depth in the attacking area with both of their young forwards, particularly Martial, failing to command a coming-of-age progression and transform into players that supporters can consistently bet their money on.
The Red Devils hierarchy has been aware of the problem for a while as Ed Woodward unsuccessfully took steps to bring Haaland into the fold during the January transfer window. With their primary target now plying his trade at Borussia Dortmund, the side could do well to turn their attention to Piatek, a player who is widely considered a natural, out-and-out goal-scorer.
The Poland international may have failed to maintain his goalscoring form for the Rossoneri this season- netting only four in 18 Serie A appearances- but he remains a formidable presence in the final third with undeniable goalscoring abilities.
The 24-year-old possesses immense physical strength and perseverance with an aptitude for finding spaces in crowded areas. His ability to easily glide his way inside the box coupled with his instinctive finishing makes him incredibly dangerous to his opponents. He also serves as an aerial threat courtesy of his towering height and is quite reliable with penalties as well.
A move to Old Trafford could see Piatek reignite his fine goalscoring form and it could pay rich dividends for United, who are gunning for a top-four finish at the end of the campaign.
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#2 His £30 million price-tag makes him a steal for United
AC Milan are believed to be open to offers for Krzysztof Piatek as the return of Zlatan Ibrahimovic- who has already made his way onto the scoresheet- has seen the Polish striker fall further down the pecking order at the San Siro.
The Rossoneri value the striker at £30 million for a permanent move and while the amount has stalled Tottenham Hotspur's pursuit of the player, it is more than affordable for the Red Devils, who have never shied away from spending enormous sums in the transfer market.
Stefano Pioli's side are believed to be keen on recouping the money they spent on Piatek last year with a permanent transfer but his suitors are only looking to sign him on loan. The Serie A giants are, however, willing to let him go temporarily only if the contract includes an option to buy.
#3 Piatek could serve as a suitable deputy for Marcus Rashford
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has rightly intensified his search for a new striker after Marcus Rashford was ruled out of action for months owing to a long-term injury. The 22-year-old picked up a double stress fracture in his back following Manchester United's 1-0 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers in an FA Cup third-round fixture earlier this month.
The England international was enjoying the most prolific campaign in his career, scoring 19 goals in all competitions for the Red Devils, with 14 of them coming in the Premier League. However, their dependency on him to carry the goalscoring burdens of the club has ultimately cost a dear price as he now faces a long spell on the sidelines.
At 24, Piatek could be the ideal candidate to cover for Rashford as he remains one of the most talented forwards in Europe despite his recent dip in form at the San Siro. The former Genoa man is a young and dynamic poacher and his arrival at Old Trafford would do well to keep the pressure off Anthony Martial, while also providing a sense of competition for the attacking slots in the squad.
The Polish striker scored 11 goals in his debut season- which was half a campaign- for AC Milan and might just benefit from the pressure and excitement that comes with a new league.
