AC Milan are considering a fresh approach to sign Manchester United forward Joshua Zirkzee during the January transfer window, according to reports from Calciomercato. The Serie A club is understood to be weighing a loan move with an option to make the transfer permanent, as they look to address their current attacking depth.
Zirkzee, 25, has found opportunities severely limited at Old Trafford this season. Under Manchester United manager Michael Carrick, the Dutchman has made four appearances totalling 70 minutes of action, without yet starting a match. Despite this lack of involvement, Zirkzee provided a reminder of his capabilities during the international break, scoring the winning goal for the Netherlands in a 2-1 Nations League victory over Serbia on Sunday.
Milan evaluating January loan
For AC Milan, a loan structure is viewed as a viable financial path to bolstering a forward line that currently features Gonçalo Ramos and Francesco Camarda. The Rossoneri previously held interest in the former Bologna man before his €42.5m (£35.8m) move to England in July 2024. Sources indicate that Milan believe Zirkzee's previous experience in Italy would allow for a swift transition should he return to Serie A.
United's stance on a departure remains a point of negotiation. The club was previously open to loan exits during the summer window, with Fiorentina and Everton engaging in talks that ultimately failed to materialise. The uncertainty surrounding his role at Old Trafford suggests a potential for movement when the window reopens.
Tactical fit and squad outlook
Zirkzee’s career in Manchester has been challenging, with the striker recording 13 goal contributions in 79 appearances since his arrival. His current contract, signed in 2024, runs for five years, which provides the club with significant leverage, though his continued peripheral role under Carrick indicates that an exit could serve as a solution for both parties. Zirkzee has been viewed as a likely candidate to depart, particularly as Carrick continues to prioritise other options in his attacking rotation.
At Milan, the arrival of Gonçalo Ramos—who joined from Paris Saint-Germain for a fee of €74m (£62.8m)—has not yet yielded the expected returns. Integrating Zirkzee would offer manager Ruben Amorim an alternative tactical profile, as the Netherlands international has previously demonstrated the versatility to operate both as a central striker and in deeper, creative roles. The January window will mark a critical point for Zirkzee, who continues to push for consistent minutes after the Premier League resumes.
