Manchester United are reportedly willing to let out-of-form striker Joshua Zirkzee leave Old Trafford this summer, with interest coming from the Serie A.
Manchester United are heading into a pivotal summer transfer window, one that could define Ruben Amorim’s tenure at the club. The success of his project at Old Trafford will depend heavily on how effectively he can reshape the squad and bring in players who fit his tactical vision.
The forward line has been a major concern throughout the season. Alejandro Garnacho, Joshua Zirkzee, and Rasmus Højlund have struggled to deliver, managing just 13 Premier League goals between them.
Both Zirkzee and Højlund have found it difficult to thrive as lone strikers, often relying on Bruno Fernandes to pick up the slack. The captain has carried much of the attacking burden, contributing to nearly 20 percent of the team’s league goals.
With a number of forwards, including Matheus Cunha, being linked with summer moves to United, it looks like time is running out for Zirkzee and Hojlund as regular starters, and Zirkzee could already be heading towards the exit this summer.
What’s next for Joshua Zirkzee?
The Netherlands international has struggled this season, even though he looked like an exciting signing when he first joined after scoring the winner against Fulham in the opening game of this Premier League campaign.
Now, as reported by CaughtOffside, it seems that United could be willing to let 23-year-old go for less than £33.6 million this summer. United signed him for slightly more than that last year.
It’s reported that both Juventus and Inter Milan are among the main admirers, with Fiorentina also showing interest if they lose their star striker, Moise Kean.
Amorim is keen to revamp his squad this summer, and Zirkzee could be one of many names that find themselves on the chopping block.
Would a loan deal suit Zirkzee more?
Before his hamstring injury that he picked up against Newcastle, it looked like Zirkzee had showed improvements to his game, and resonated with the fans, with them saying more patience should be afforded to the Dutchman.
While some Serie A clubs are interested in a permanent deal for Zirkzee, they would also be very interested in a loan deal for the 23-year-old so there is the possibility that he could come back to Old Trafford.
As seen with Antony at Real Betis, a loan deal could give the Dutchman a chance to truly show what he can do, out of the limelight of United, and win a place back at Old Trafford.
While the club clearly need to make changes in the forward department this summer, it’s no surprise that Zirkzee is linked with an exit, but a loan deal may make more sense than a permanent sale that they may live to regret if Zirkzee starts to realise the potential that he had during his stint at Bologna before making the move to Manchester.
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