Transfer Talk: Shock as Zirkzee already wants out of Man Utd
The winter transfer window won’t reopen in Europe for a while yet, but there are plenty of moves in the works and gossip swirling around. Transfer Talk brings you all the latest buzz on rumours, comings, goings and, of course, done deals!
TOP STORY: Zirkzee eyes Old Trafford exit
Manchester United forward Joshua Zirkzee is already open to leaving the club in January, according to Calciomercato.
It is reported that the 23-year-old, who arrived at Old Trafford in July for a fee of £36.5 million from Bologna, wants to return to Italy, having previously turned down the chance to remain there during the last transfer window.
While AC Milan are said to have no interest in bringing the Netherlands international to the San Siro, Juventus are one of the clubs that could make a move amid belief that Zirkzee fits the profile of the type of forward they are looking for. The Italian outlet says that an approach for a potential loan deal could be made in January, but it is unclear whether United would be willing to let him leave without lining up a replacement first.
Zirkzee’s record of one goal in 11 matches across all competitions this season has compounded a difficult start to life in England, and his recent form has also seen him lose his place in manager Erik ten Hag’s starting XI to Rasmus Hojlund — scorer of the winning goal in Saturday’s 2-1 comeback victory over Brentford.
PAPER GOSSIP
– Chelsea are interested in Eintracht Frankfurt forward Omar Marmoush, reports Team Talk. The Blues are reportedly “heavily scouting” the 25-year-old, though they could face competition for him from both Liverpool and Arsenal, who are also keeping an eye on his progress. Marmoush has been one of the standout performers in Europe this season, with nine goals and four assists from the opening seven Bundesliga matches.
– Several “top clubs” from the Premier League are keeping close tabs on VfB Stuttgart forward Jamie Leweling, reports Sky Sports Deutschland’s Florian Plettenberg. Interest in his signature is believed to have increased following his debut for the Germany national team and, while the 23-year-old is contracted at the Bundesliga club until 2028, a release clause in his contract allows him to be signed for a fee of around €25m next summer.
– Arsenal are keen on Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo, according to Football Insider. The Gunners are reported to be plotting a move for the 25-year-old having been impressed by his start to the season, during which he has scored six goals in six Premier League games. It is believed that an offer worth at least £40m would be required to land the Cameroon star.
– Free agent defender Simon Kjaer is hopeful of reuniting with former manager Stefano Pioli at Al Nassr, reports Gazzetta dello Sport. The 35-year-old Denmark international, who left AC Milan when his contract expired in the summer, is said to be working hard to achieve fitness amid hopes of returning to football.
– Talks over a new contract are ongoing between Paris Saint-Germain and the representatives of left-back Nuno Mendes, says Nicolo Schira. PSG are said to be working on a new four and a half year extension that would secure the 22-year-old’s future at the Parc des Princes until the summer of 2029. He has made six appearances across all competitions so far this season.
