Joshua Zirkzee is attracting reported interest from Aston Villa in the final two weeks of the summer transfer window, which could still mean a Manchester United exit is possible.
Zirkzee impressed in the early stages of preseason when Michael Carrick was operating with a light squad only a few weeks removed from the World Cup. But the Dutchman has been heavily linked with a return to Serie A, where he previously starred for Bologna.
Juventus is one such club, but other deals—including the capture of Randal Kolo Muani—made pursuing Zirkzee complicated. It might be that a departure, be it the underperforming Jonathan David or even star asset Kenan Yıldız, linked with Arsenal, makes it more feasible.
Staying in the Premier League might also be a possibility, depending on how other transfer sagas unfold. According to Fabrizio Romano, there has been a phone call from Aston Villa to United enquiring about Zirkzee’s availability and conditions for a potential deal.
Villa, about to compete in the Champions League for the second time in three seasons, lack depth in the striker position. That could be further exacerbated if Al Hilal are successful in attempts to lure unsettled Ollie Watkins to Saudi Arabia, with Tammy Abraham the only other senior No. 9. Brian Madjo, a scorer in the UEFA Super Cup, is highly rated but doesn’t turn 18 until January.
Zirkzee is not considered the first-choice target. That tag is given to Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson, who briefly worked under Villa manager Unai Emery when both were at Villarreal. Jackson is available after Chelsea gave precedence to Emmanuel Emegha, but the finances potentially involved mean there is no guarantee that Villa successfully sign the Senegal international, who has admirers elsewhere.
At his best, Zirkzee is not a penalty-box No. 9, despite what an imposing physical stature would imply. Rather than operate like Erling Haaland, the 25-year-old prefers to take up deeper roles and involve himself in creation and buildup play, more like Harry Kane.
‘Keep a Close Eye’ on Man Utd Pursuing a Striker
The likelihood of Zirkzee joining Aston Villa appears low at this moment in time, given that it relies on a deal for Jackson not happening and Manchester United finding acceptable terms to let him go—all in a very short space of time.
Romano claims that, in the event Zirkzee does leave—whether to join Villa or anyone else—it is worth keeping a “close eye” on how the Red Devils respond because signing a backup striker to Benjamin Šeško is not a new rumor.
Although Matheus Cunha and Marcus Rashford are capable in the No. 9 role—the former started ahead of Šeško in the opening day defeat to Hull City, United have been linked with a striker pursuit all summer, as a lower priority than central midfield, goalkeeper and left back.
The versatility of others, which also includes Bryan Mbeumo, might make it a want rather than a need. But someone proven and experienced like Ivan Toney, who would need to give up the riches of Saudi Arabia, would be well suited.
Danny Welbeck would have been ideal before he joined Chelsea for a similar role there. United did not attempt to recruit him this summer after previous attempts revealed Welbeck’s lack of interest in a one-year contract. The difference for Chelsea is that he was offered a two-year deal.
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