Manchester United are now close to signing a new striker after he decided to reject a move to Arsenal.
Players rejecting a move to the Emirates Stadium in favour of Old Trafford comes as quite a surprise nowadays, as the Gunners can offer targets UEFA Champions League football – whereas the Red Devils can only put the UEFA Europa League on the table.
Despite that, one striker has now chosen Manchester United over Arsenal…
Manchester United close to signing Arsenal target Joshua Zirkzee
A story from The Athletic now claims that Manchester United are close to signing Joshua Zirkzee.
It comes just days after Caught Offside claimed that the Netherlands international had decided to ignore Arsenal in favour of getting an agreement with Erik ten Hag’s side over the line.
The Athletic believe Zirkzee – who some have described as “better than” Erling Haaland – has agreed personal terms with Manchester United, while the Red Devils have also found an agreement on agent commission.
That amount is described as “sizeable” – although Manchester United are happy to spend big in that respect given the fact the Dutchman’s transfer fee is only £34m, due to a release clause.
Zirkzee enjoyed a fantastic 2023/24 campaign as he helped Bologna qualify for the UEFA Champions League, scoring 11 goals while also providing five assists in 34 Serie A appearances.
Mikel Arteta could now sign Viktor Gyokeres
On the surface, it seems as if Arsenal have been deliberating between Zirkzee and Sporting CP No.9 Viktor Gyokeres this summer – so Manchester United’s progress in talks to sign the Dutchman could now see the Sweden international move to north London.
Portuguese news outlet Leonino – a site specifically dedicated to Sporting CP – recently claimed that Arsenal are on the verge of signing the Swede for £76m after he remarkably scored 43 goals in 50 appearances last season.
In our view, Arsenal may have been waiting to see what happened with Zirkzee – who is obviously much cheaper due to his release clause – before concretely moving for Gyokeres, so don’t be surprised to see a bid for the Sporting CP No.9 accelerate if the Bologna No.9 does move to Old Trafford.
