Inter ready to offer escape for Man Utd striker after disappointing season

Joshua Zirkzee’s time at Manchester United could be cut short after just one season, with reports emerging that Inter Milan are exploring a loan deal with an option to buy for the Dutch striker.

Zirkzee joined United from Bologna last summer in a deal worth around £36.5 million, but the 22-year-old has struggled to adapt to the pace and intensity of the Premier League.

With just seven goals across all competitions, questions have grown about his role in Ruben Amorim’s long-term plans, especially with United’s attack set for a major reshuffle this summer.

According to The Sun, Inter Milan view Zirkzee as an ideal addition to strengthen their forward line ahead of next season.

With the Italian club competing on multiple fronts and their current backups underwhelming, Inter are targeting players who offer both upside and affordability. Zirkzee, who previously thrived in Serie A with 11 goals for Bologna, fits that profile.

United are expected to be active in the striker market, and Zirkzee could be moved on to free up squad space and budget.

Amorim is said to prefer more physical and direct attackers, and the club has been linked with players like Viktor Gyökeres and Liam Delap as possible replacements.

Zirkzee is currently sidelined with a hamstring injury sustained in April and is unlikely to feature again this season.

Nevertheless, Inter are reportedly open to finalizing terms before the summer window officially opens, potentially structuring the deal with performance-based clauses.

There was also interest from Juventus, but managerial uncertainty and shifting priorities may have ended their pursuit, giving Inter a clearer path to landing the Dutch forward.

If the move materializes, it could mark the start of a broader attacking overhaul at Old Trafford. With United expected to offload several attackers and bring in reinforcements more suited to Amorim’s system, Zirkzee’s departure now looks more a matter of when, not if.