Manchester United are interested in signing Bologna striker Joshua Zirkzee, as Erik ten Hag looks to reinforce his attacking options during this winter transfer window.
Joshua Zirkzee, 22, has impressed in Italy since making the switch from Bayern Munich in 2022. After managing only two goals in 19 Serie A appearances for Bologna last season, the Netherlands under-21 international has already netted seven goals in 15 league outings so far this campaign. He has also supplied two assists, demonstrating his creativity alongside his goalscoring skills.
As a result, the 22-year-old has caught the attention of several European big-hitters, with Manchester United understood to be one of those. In search of a new striker, the Red Devils have reportedly held exploratory talks with Bologna over a potential transfer of Joshua Zirkzee, who is also on Arsenal’s radar. The forward has a €40million release clause in his Bologna contract which runs until 2026.
Manchester United tracking Joshua Zirkzee
It is no secret that Manchester United want to bring in a quality striker in this transfer window. Regardless of spending heavily on Rasmus Hojlund in the past summer transfer window, Erik ten Hag’s side have not been able to score goals regularly. While Hojlund illuminated the Champions League, he has yet to hit the ground running in the Premier League and has just two goals in 16 appearances.
Marcus Rashford has not been able to replicate his last season’s form which saw him score 30 goals across all competitions, whereas Anthony Martial continues to struggle with fitness issues. So, there is room for another striker to come in and help Man United going forward.
Bologna’s Joshua Zirkzee has emerged as a potential target for the Red Devils. The 22-year-old has been in fine form for Bologna in Serie A and should prove to be a quality acquisition for Ten Hag’s side. Hojlund is adapting to the rigours of Premier League football and needs more help and support, something Zirkzee could provide if he arrives.
The Dutch forward could share the goalscoring burden with Hojlund and Rashford for the rest of the campaign. The 22-year-old has demonstrated that he is capable of scoring goals in Serie A with proper service and the opportunity to showcase his skill-set in the Premier League could be an exciting challenge for him. With creative players such as Bruno Fernandes and Christian Eriksen in midfield, chances of Zirkzee thriving in Ten Hag’s system at Old Trafford would be high.
The Bologna striker has a €40 million release clause, but given the financial condition Man United find themselves in, they will need to sell players before signing new players this month. If the Red Devils want to boost their hopes of qualifying for the Champions League next term, they must push for Zirkzee’s signing now.
I am Rohan Sengupta from one of the busiest cities in India, Mumbai. A Journalism graduate with a keen interest in sports, football is something I simply cannot live without and writing, discussing and analyzing the game is what I do 24*7.
