Manchester United handed clear run at summer transfer after Arsenal claims emerge

Manchester United have been handed a boost in the race to sign Joshua Zirkzee as Arsenal do not intend to pursue a move for the Bologna forward this summer.

Zirkzee, 23, has seemingly emerged as a transfer target for United as Erik ten Hag tries to bolster his attacking options. It was reported on Tuesday that Zirkzee is part of a three-man striker shortlist at Old Trafford, with Lille's Jonathan David and Brentford's Ivan Toney the other two after Benjamin Sesko committed his future to RB Leipzig.

Following the departure of Anthony Martial, Rasmus Hojlund is the only senior centre forward at the club and United are keen to add at least one striker to their squad in the summer transfer window. United scored just 57 goals in the Premier League during the 2023/24 season - the joint-lowest out of anyone in the top-half.

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United have been offered a freer run for Zirkzee, with The Athletic reporting that the Gunners do not intend to try and sign him. It's not even certain that Arsenal will immediately pivot to an alternative No.9 as they look to bolster their attacking options with Eddie Nketiah and Gabriel Jesus not at their best last season.

Zirkzee scored 12 goals in 37 matches during the 2023/24 season and was voted as the best young player in Serie A for his performances. Zirkzee, who joined Bologna from Bayern Munich on a permanent deal in August 2022, has a £34million (€40m) release clause in his contract, which has two years left to run.

AC Milan are among the other interested parties in Zirkzee after an impressive campaign with Bologna, who have qualified for the Champions League next season.

Speaking about his future last month, Zirkzee told Sky Sports: "After the holidays we'll see what will happen. As far as I know so far I will play the Champions League with Bologna but I can't say anything.

"There's a lot going on, in the meantime we're thinking about finishing the season well and then we'll come back after the holidays and see what happens."