Three strikers Manchester United can target if Joshua Zirkzee leaves
Manchester United could pursue three specific forwards if Joshua Zirkzee departs during this transfer window, with the new Premier League season just weeks away.
Under Michael Carrick United finished third last season, securing European football for 2026-27, but their summer transfer business has been limited so far; the club have signed Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa, Andrey Santos from Chelsea and goalkeeper Karl Darlow on a free transfer. Journalists have linked Zirkzee with Juventus and Matteo Moretto revealed the former Bologna forward, who joined United two years ago, is open to joining the Serie A side provided they can strike a deal with the Red Devils.
One option is Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins, who has been strongly linked with a move to United in recent weeks and scored 21 goals across all competitions last season. The article notes Aston Villa are exploring a move for Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson, which could make Watkins available for around £40m. The piece adds Watkins will turn 31 in December and suggests he would be comfortable playing backup to Benjamin Sesko and be lethal coming off the bench.
Ferran Torres is another name mentioned amid Spanish reports that Barcelona are ready to sell him after signing Anthony Gordon and needing funds to sign Julian Alvarez. Torres also scored 21 goals across all competitions last season, and TEAMtalk claimed Barcelona offered his services to United, with Estadio Deportivo reporting a price of £39-43m. The report describes Torres as a young striker who can play centrally and on the wings and notes his Manchester City background could complicate fan reception.
Dusan Vlahovic is presented as a free-agent option after running down his Juventus contract and becoming available on a Bosman deal. The article states Vlahovic still managed 10 goals across all competitions last season despite falling down the pecking order at Juventus and says he would not displace Sesko in the starting lineup but could be a strong option off the bench if he rediscovers his prior form.
The piece emphasises that, with Zirkzee reportedly open to a move to Juventus, Carrick would be left short of striking options and that Benjamin Sesko remains the only established out-and-out striker at the club. It concludes that United will likely move to add at least one forward to provide competition and cover should Sesko suffer injury, while Zirkzee awaits clarity on whether Juventus will reach an agreement with Manchester United.
