United offered the chance to land “sensational” Serie A striker with 22 goals last season as part of January swap deal – report

Manchester United need to find a solution to the Joshua Zirkzee problem soon. The Dutchman has not started a single game in all competitions this season, and despite Ruben Amorim’s need for goals, he did not turn to the 24-year-old in the last two Premier League games. As a result of the lack of minutes, the former Bologna attacker has lost his place in the Netherlands international team. With the World Cup coming up next year, he needs to start playing regularly at club level if he is to make the cut. The United head coach does not want him to leave, and with Benjamin Sesko out injured and Bryan Mbeumo, and Amad set to depart for AFCON next month, his playing time is likely to increase. But the Netherlands international might want a more permanent solution, and a lot of English and Italian clubs are chasing his signature. Zirkzee back to Italy? AS Roma are even ready to offer INEOS a loan proposal with a buy option, with the United No.11 more keen on a return to Serie A rather than staying in the Premier League. As per Roma Live, AC Milan are also in the fray, and unlike the Giallorossi, they have proposed a swap offer to try and entice the Red Devils. The Rossoneri, who have been long-term admirers, offered United the chance to acquire Santiago Gimenez as part of the swap deal. The Mexican notched 22 goals and six assists last term including six goals and three assists for Milan since a mid-season move. Swap deal details The “sensational” ace was a revelation for Feyenoord, netting 26 goals and registering eight assists for the Eredivisie side in the 23/24 campaign. However, the 24-year-old has struggled big time so far this season, managing only one goal and two assists from 11 appearances. Which is why United turned down the swap proposal. “Good news for Roma in the race for Joshua Zirkzee. The Dutch striker has been a hot name in the Giallorossi transfer market for some time now, but Frederic Massara is certainly not the only sporting director who has been making moves after learning of the 24-year-old’s possible departure. “In addition to Everton, PSV, Juventus, and West Ham, rumors have intensified in the last few hours about a possible return to AC Milan for the former Bologna player, who was very close to joining the Rossoneri before his agents accepted Manchester United’s offer in the summer of 2024. United respond to Santiago Gimenez proposal “Through several intermediaries, AC Milan also attempted to negotiate a deal other than a loan with an option to buy, the preferred option for both Roma and the Red Devils, who would prefer not to lose control of Zirkzee. “For this reason, and also due to the lack of appreciation for the offered transfer fee, the possibility of a swap deal between the former Bayern Munich player and Santiago Gimenez has apparently died quickly. AC Milan’s interest remains solid, of course, but the initial approach hasn’t panned out.” INEOS are targeting Premier League-proven players, which rules out a move for Santiago Gimenez. Now, what happens with Zirkzee in January will be interesting to see. Feature image Jonathan Moscrop via Getty Images The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Ayantan Chowdhury After failing to become a professional footballer, Ayantan switched to the next best thing: writing about the greatest football club in the world. He has extensive sports journalism experience, having worked for over 10 years in the Indian sports media industry, writing for the biggest newspapers and websites. Currently an editor at The Peoples Person. You can follow him on X: @ayantanc_25