Luca Toni admits he was not as strong as Man United target Pio Esposito at 21

World Cup winner Luca Toni has declared that Manchester United transfer target Pio Esposito is already a more complete striker than he was at 21, as the Inter Milan forward continues to attract attention ahead of Italy’s UEFA Nations League fixtures.

Esposito, 21, had been heavily monitored by United, Arsenal and Atalanta during the summer window following a breakthrough campaign with Inter, in which he scored 10 goals and provided six assists in 48 appearances as the club claimed their 21st Serie A title. That form came on the back of a prolific loan spell at Serie B side Spezia, where he netted 19 goals in 40 matches during the 2024/25 season.

Despite the widespread interest, Inter moved quickly to secure Esposito’s future, handing him a new six-year contract that ties him to the club until 2032 and pushes his market valuation above £40 million — effectively ending United’s hopes of a deal.

“It is very emotional, I had butterflies in my stomach in the car,” Esposito said after putting pen to paper. “Mister Chivu gave me an opportunity I dreamed of my whole life. He has always had great esteem and confidence in me, and I hope to keep repaying his trust.”

Esposito has carried that momentum into the new season, scoring against Monza and Udinese in five appearances for Inter. The form earned him a place in Roberto Mancini’s Italy squad for four Nations League matches, with Italian media reporting he is set to start against Belgium on Friday ahead of Moise Kean and Gianluca Scamacca.

Toni, who scored more than 300 goals across a 22-year career that included spells at Bayern Munich and Fiorentina, was effusive in his praise when speaking to Tuttosport. “Esposito has learned from two masters like Lautaro [Martinez] and [Marcus] Thuram; he must only improve in front of the goal,” said the 49-year-old. “He uses his body and physique a lot, like I did, but I think he needs to become stronger in front of goal. Just to be clear: at his age, I wasn’t as strong as him.”

Toni also highlighted the young striker’s mentality as a key attribute. “His attitude. He learned from Lautaro and Thuram, two excellent teachers. He’s intelligent, he never gives up, always on the ball.”

With Esposito now locked into a long-term deal at the San Siro, United and other interested clubs will need to look elsewhere to address their striking options.