The chances of Rasmus Hojlund leaving Atalanta in 2023 have been played down, despite recent reports of interest from Arsenal.

BERGAMO, ITALY: Rasmus Hojlund of Atalanta BC celebrates after scoring their side's first goal during the Serie A match between Atalanta BC and US Lecce at Gewiss Stadium on February 19, 2023. (Photo by Emilio Andreoli/Getty Images)
BERGAMO, ITALY: Rasmus Hojlund of Atalanta BC celebrates after scoring their side’s first goal during the Serie A match between Atalanta BC and US Lecce at Gewiss Stadium on February 19, 2023. (Photo by Emilio Andreoli/Getty Images)

Fabrizio Romano reports for CaughtOffside that he’s not convinced Rasmus Hojlund is going to leave Atalanta in 2023. The Italian journalist doesn’t see Arsenal as an option for the 20-year-old, given the Gunners’ strength in attacking depth.

Hojlund wants to be a regular starter, not sit on the bench behind the likes of Gabriel Jesus, Eddie Nketiah, and Folarin Balogun, so another year at Atalanta seems the most likely option at the moment.

Italian outlet La Repubblica had reported that Arsenal and Real Madrid were both keeping a close eye on Hojlund, and they were considering signing him at the end of the season.

The 20-year-old has 13 goals in 29 games this season, in addition to five assists, after joining Atalanta from Sturm Graz at the start of the season.

Nine of his goal contributions have come in the 21 games (11 starts) he’s played for Atalanta following that move.

BERGAMO, ITALY: Rasmus Hojlund of Atalanta BC looks on during the Serie A match between Atalanta BC and US Lecce at Gewiss Stadium on February 19, 2023. (Photo by Emilio Andreoli/Getty Images)
BERGAMO, ITALY: Rasmus Hojlund of Atalanta BC looks on during the Serie A match between Atalanta BC and US Lecce at Gewiss Stadium on February 19, 2023. (Photo by Emilio Andreoli/Getty Images)

Though Hojlund didn’t feature with Denmark at the World Cup, he’s closing in on a spot with his national side.

He made two appearances for Denmark in September, and his current form would suggest there are more chances to come.

But with Arsenal having Jesus and Nketiah on the books long term, with Balogun returning in the summer, another centre-forward signing seems improbable.