In a surprising turn of the summer transfer window, Inter Milan are reportedly eyeing a move for Manchester United striker Joshua Zirkzee, despite the Dutchman’s underwhelming debut season at Old Trafford.
The 23-year-old forward joined United from Serie A side Bologna last summer in a £36.5 million move, but has struggled to make a meaningful impact in the Premier League, scoring just three goals in 32 appearances. Zirkzee got off to a promising start, netting the winner on his league debut against Fulham, but quickly lost form and the support of fans. His lowest point came in December when he was booed off the pitch during a dismal first half against Newcastle. His substitution was met with cheers, and the striker walked straight down the tunnel.
However, performances in the latter half of the season have shown signs of improvement — enough, it seems, to attract attention from the Nerazzurri. According to Corriere dello Sport, Champions League finalists Inter Milan have identified Zirkzee as a potential addition to their attacking lineup and are preparing a loan offer with an option to buy.
Manager Simone Inzaghi is said to be eager to bolster his squad’s attacking depth, with Inter’s hierarchy reportedly concerned about the gap in quality between their starting forwards — Marcus Thuram and Lautaro Martinez — and backup options Marko Arnautovic and Mehdi Taremi. Zirkzee is seen as a forward with “technical quality and creativity,” qualities Inter believe could complement their existing strike force.
Importantly, Zirkzee’s salary is not viewed as a stumbling block, and Inter believe they can negotiate a deal that suits their financial structure while complying with UEFA’s Financial Fair Play rules.
Zirkzee had previously been linked with a return to Italy in January, with Juventus expressing interest in a potential swap deal involving Dusan Vlahovic. However, that move never materialized, and Juventus’s interest is believed to have cooled following the sacking of former Bologna coach Thiago Motta.
Inter Milan, meanwhile, are enjoying another successful season under Inzaghi. The club will face Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League final on May 31 — their second appearance in the final in three years — after a dramatic extra-time win over Barcelona. Domestically, Inter remain in a tight race for the Serie A title, just one point behind leaders Napoli with two games remaining. Despite falling short in the Coppa Italia and Supercoppa Italiana, the club is poised for silverware and continues to plan for the future.
Manchester United, on the other hand, are undergoing a difficult rebuild after a dismal Premier League campaign. Sitting just above the relegation zone heading into the final fixtures of the season, United are reportedly targeting a new striker this summer. Names such as Liam Delap (Manchester City), Matheus Cunha (Wolves), and Viktor Gyökeres (Sporting CP) have been floated as potential replacements.
Whether United choose to cash in on Zirkzee or loan him out remains to be seen. But for a player written off by many just months ago, a move to Inter Milan could be the redemption arc that reignites his career — and reminds Europe of the talent that once lit up the Italian league.
By Kelly Were
