Manchester United star Joshua Zirkzee is almost certain to depart Old Trafford this summer, according to Caught Offside.
The Red Devils bolstered their attack last summer with the arrival of Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, and Benjamin Sesko, which saw Zirkzee fall way down the pecking order, and the Netherlands international has struggled for regular game time as a result.
A January move was mooted before Ruben Amorim was sacked, but it didn't materialise following that, and he has found himself on the substitutes bench regularly under Michael Carrick. Now a move away in the summer looks certain, with a return to Italy at the top of his wishlist.
Zirkzee Pushing for Serie A Return
Joshua Zirkzee celebrating after scoring for Manchester United against Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Premier League
Zirkzee, who has been described as 'elite', joined the club from Bologna under Erik Ten Hag in a deal worth around £35m, but has managed to score just nine goals in 69 appearances for the club so far in two seasons.
United are expected to bolster their attacking options in the summer transfer window as they look to switch back to a system that involves wingers, and that means creating space in the squad with sales.
Zirkzee has attracted interest from several Premier League sides, but it's understood that he has already made it clear that he has no intention of staying in England, and will instead pursue a return to Serie A, where he had the most successful stint of his career so far.
United are not against letting the forward leave, and have set a €35m (£30.2m) asking price for interested clubs, as he is still under contract until 2029, but that could prove prohibitive to Italian sides.
That has led to speculation that the 24-year-old could leave on loan with an option or obligation to make the move permanent, similar to Marcus Rashford and Rasmus Hojlund, but a move away now looks inevitable.
Zirkzee Has No Future at Man Utd
Joshua Zirkzee of Manchester United while playing Wolverhampton Wanderers
Despite his obvious talent, Zirkzee's skillset hasn't transferred well to the English game, and a move away seems to be the right thing for everyone involved.
But should he depart, United will need to look at replacements to ensure they aren't left short up front next season. Sesko is a traditional number nine, while Cunha and Mbeumo have played there before too, but they both are at their best elsewhere.
GIVEMESPORT asked ChatGPT who would be a realistic replacement for Zirkzee this summer, and this was its response:
Igor Thiago – Physical, clinical, Premier League-proven scoring form
Ricardo Pepi – Mobile poacher, improving all-round game, high ceiling
Meïté – Raw, powerful, long-term upside