Manchester United are in the market for a new striker this summer and the top target appears to be keen on the move to Old Trafford.
Erik ten Hag was handed a new centre forward last summer – but it wasn’t Harry Kane, the man many fans wanted.
Manchester United went in a different direction instead, bringing in a promising yet raw striker in Rasmus Hojlund.
There were ups and downs for Hojlund last season but the Dane has shown enough potential for United to feel excited about his future.
United do though need to go and invest in another striker this summer.
Anthony Martial has moved on and his absence since December simply showed that Hojlund needs more support in the final third.
Manchester United stance on Joshua Zirkzee release clause
United could go in two directions again; a proven goalscorer to help Hojlund or another exciting talent who could become a star.
It looks like United will go down the latter path once more with Bologna’s Joshua Zirkzee wanted.
The Dutchman scored 11 times in Serie A last season, helping Bologna qualify for the Champions League.
Zirkzee has shown huge potential as a centre forward, possessing outstanding size and strength but also impressive technical ability.
The 23-year-old has become United’s top target in attack and reporter Ben Jacobs claims that a deal is in mind.
Jacobs claims that United officials have already told Bologna that they are willing to meet the £34million release clause for Zirkzee.
Euro 2024 is still the focus for Zirkzee as he and the Netherlands continue to prepare for a semi-final clash with England.
Agent Kia Joorabchian is understood to be talking to United though and he is demanding around €10million (£8.5million) as a fee for the deal.
AC Milan have backed away from those demands but United are now left to decide whether or not to accelerate and meet Joorabchian’s demands.
- READ MORE: Manchester United confirmed signings, transfers in, out, loan exits, releases for 2024/25
Zirkzee wants Manchester United over Arsenal
A potential deal to sign Zirkzee may move forward once Euro 2024 is out of the way but the striker seems keen on the move.
Caught Offside claim that Zirkzee has ‘prioritised a transfer’ to Old Trafford and would reject offers from other clubs – including Arsenal.
The Gunners are understood to be keen on Zirkzee as they look to bring a new striker in this summer.
Zirkzee prefers a move to United though and would snub both Arsenal and Milan in favour of linking up with compatriot Ten Hag.
That certainly gives United an upper hand in the race for Zirkzee but it may all come down to the money required for agent Joorabchian.
Talks will no doubt continue in the coming days with United no doubt knee to secure Zirkzee as competition for Hojlund for years to come.
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