Serie A trio battle to sign Joshua Zirkzee

Joshua Zirkzee has endured a rough start to his Manchester United career since arriving from Bologna in 2024.

The former Netherlands international arrived for £36 million, however has failed to establish himself in the squad, having first been a back up to Rasmus Hojlund, and then Benjamin Sesko.

Since his arrival, the 25-year-old has been linked repeatedly with a return to Serie A, still being held in high regard after his time with Bologna.

As United look to refresh the squad this summer, with Zirkzee expected to leave, it’s no real surprise that several Italian sides are looking to line up a move away from Old Trafford.

Juventus are well known to be targeting the attacker, with the Turin-based side currently frontrunners to sign him.

However, The i Paper have now reported that both Como and AS Roma are also keen on signing the former Bologna striker this summer.

While Juve’s interest is the most intense, links from Roma and Como have been longstanding, and with Cesc Fabregas’ Como having now secured Champions League football, they are more of an attractive side.

All three clubs are looking at submitting loan offers with either an option to buy or an obligation to buy clause, however, it’s known that United are preferring a straight sale this summer.

Over recent years, United have been let down with option to buy clauses, as Marcus Rashford’s loans to Aston Villa and Barcelona, with options of £40 million and £26 million to buy respectively, saw the clause not triggered, sending him back to Carrington.

As such, it’s understandable why The Red Devils are looking for a permanent move, however, in the case of Rasmus Hojlund, his move to Napoli was triggered by their qualification to the Champions League thanks to a compulsory buy clause.