Atalanta are weighing up a move to sign Manchester United striker Joshua Zirkzee, according to Quotidiano Sportivo.
The Serie A outfit recently sanctioned the sale of striker Mateo Retegui to Al-Qadsiah. Ademola Lookman is likewise pushing to leave.
The Nigerian star has agreed on personal terms with Inter Milan. Negotiations are now ongoing regarding the transfer package.
Amidst this, Quotidiano Sportivo claim that Atalanta are interested in signing Zirkzee. He is described as their ‘midsummer dream’.
The Bergamo-based club monitored the Netherlands international when he was at Bayern Munich between 2020 and 2021.
Zirkzee is reportedly ‘on his way out’ this summer, but Atalanta can’t afford United’s £30 million asking price for the Dutchman.
Atalanta plan to propose a loan deal with a buy option. Former United football director John Murtough could play a big role during the negotiations.
Murtough, who was appointed as Atalanta’s director of global development in April, brought Rasmus Hojlund to United from the Italian club two years ago.
Zirkzee could leave United this summer
The 24-year-old had a frustrating debut campaign with the Red Devils. He contributed just seven goals and three assists from 49 appearances across all competitions.
Zirkzee made a perfect start with a winning goal off the bench against Fulham in the Premier League, but he managed just two more goals during the rest of the league season.
The Dutchman struggled to adapt to the pace and intensity of English football. He played as more of a number 10 towards the end of the campaign, but that did not translate into goal involvements.
United purchased Zirkzee from Bologna for £36.5 million last summer. As reported, they could be willing to sell him for a small loss (£30m) to sign a proven goalscoring centre-forward.
Crystal Palace’s Jean-Philippe Mateta would be a good addition to the ranks. He has scored 27 league goals since manager Oliver Glasner took charge in February last year.
Only Erling Haaland, Alexander Isak and Mohamed Salah have managed more during this period.
The Frenchman could be available for an affordable fee of £26m upfront. The 28-year-old would provide an instant upgrade on Rasmus Hojlund, whose form slumped in early 2025.
Mateta is well-versed to playing in a 3-4-2-1 formation and would be a quality acquisition.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com
