Manchester United close in on first summer signing as European giants drop out of race for striker: Reports

Manchester United are reportedly closing in on signing Bologna centre-forward Joshua Zirkzee. AC Milan were linked with a move for the Dutchman but are now looking for alternatives.

Zirkzee had a good 2023-24 season, scoring 12 goals and providing seven assists in 32 games across competitions. He helped Bologna qualify for the UEFA Champions League for the first time in their history. He is, however, set to leave the Italian club now this summer.

As per iPaper (via Football365), Manchester United, AC Milan, and Arsenal have all been linked with signing Zirkzee. Milan were touted to be in the lead but the deal seems to have fallen off due to their tense relations with the player's agent Kia Joorabchian. The Italian giants have been put off by the agent's demands and are looking for alternatives.

This situation has cleared the path for United, who are willing to pay Zirkzee's £34 million release clause. Joorabchian is also expected to ask for a lesser agent free from the English club than he was from AC Milan.

Manchester United are looking to find a replacement for striker Anthony Martial, who left as a free agent this summer. Zirkzee could be that replacement as they close in on their first signing of the summer.

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Manchester United target opens up about his future

West Ham United midfielder Edson Alvarez recently spoke about his future at the club amidst reported interest from Manchester United. He insisted that he is currently focused on competing at the Copa America 2024 with Mexico, saying (via Mirror):

"I can only tell you that I'm focused on what I have to do.

"I know that the Copa America is a very important tournament where the eyes of the world are basically here. Later there will be time to see what there is or what there isn't."

Alvarez arrived at West Ham from Ajax last summer and made 42 appearances across competitions for them, registering two goals and two assists. His contract expires in 2025 and as per Transfermarkt, his market value is €35 million.

Manchester United, meanwhile, are expected to send Sofyan Amrabat back to Fiorentina after his loan spell. Casemiro's future at the club is also under speculation.

Alvarez has also previously played under Erik ten Hag during their time together at Ajax, recording nine goals and three assists in 103 appearances.