Fiorentina close in on Zirkzee loan as United eye Matanovic to fill striker void

Manchester United are set to lose striker Joshua Zirkzee on loan before the transfer window closes on September 1, with Fiorentina reported to be in advanced negotiations over a £4.2m temporary deal that includes an option to make the move permanent next summer.

According to Gazzetta dello Sport, Fiorentina have identified the 25-year-old Dutchman as their primary target to replace Moise Kean, who is poised to join Como. Zirkzee has struggled to establish himself at Old Trafford since his £36.5m arrival from Bologna in 2024, managing just nine goals in 75 appearances. La Viola are said to be pushing hard to finalise the deal, with Juventus also circling — though Juve’s attention is currently focused on offloading Jonathan David.

With Zirkzee potentially heading for the exit, United manager Michael Carrick is reportedly looking at Freiburg forward Igor Matanovic as a replacement. The 23-year-old Croatian international scored 15 goals across all competitions for Freiburg last season and only joined the German club from Eintracht Frankfurt last summer. Gazzetta claims United are competing with Tottenham Hotspur for his signature, while Fiorentina — simultaneously pursuing Zirkzee — are also described as weighing up an “ambitious” move for Matanovic as a back-up option.

Carrick has less than a week to shape his squad after United opened their campaign with a defeat to Hull City. The club’s summer business has so far centred on midfield reinforcement, with Carlos Baleba added to the engine room. Benjamin Sesko currently leads the striker options, with Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha capable of operating in a central role, but a natural centre-forward remains a priority before the deadline.

The Zirkzee situation in particular reflects a broader reset at Old Trafford, where several high-profile signings from recent windows have failed to justify their fees. Whether United can bring in Matanovic — or another forward — in time to offset the Dutchman’s departure will define the final shape of Carrick’s attacking options heading into the new season.