Manchester United 'rival' Arsenal for £34m striker as Erik ten Hag decision means player now 'likely to leave'

The summer transfer window is now just days away from opening and work is already well underway as Manchester United plan for major investment in the hope of returning to the top of English football. Erik ten Hag’s side finished last season with the ecstasy of FA Cup glory but an eighth-placed Premier League finish represents one of the worst domestic campaigns in recent memory.

After a lengthy end-of-season review and report of talks with alternative options, those in charge at United have decided to keep Ten Hag in charge and will now have to back the Dutchman financially. Reinforcements are needed across the board if Sir Jim Ratcliffe wants a top-four finish and with a busy summer on the horizon, ManchesterWorld has rounded up some of the latest headlines surrounding the club.

Zirkzee targeted

United have reportedly placed Bologna striker Joshua Zirkzee among their ‘top transfer targets’ ahead of the summer, with Ten Hag keen to add more goals to his squad. Sky Sports reports that the Reds now look set to battle Premier League rivals Arsenal and Serie A giants AC Milan for the 23-year-old, with Juventus also interested but currently looking elsewhere.

Zirkzee enjoyed an impressive season with Bologna, registering 11 goals and four assists in 34 league appearances to help his side qualify for the Europa League. The Dutch under-21 international has caught the eye of top clubs across Europe with that form and a summer move is looking likely, with Milan already thought to be in contact with the forward’s representatives.

A £34million release clause has attracted plenty of interest and United now look to have made signing Zirkzee a top priority, with attacking reinforcements towards the top of Ten Hag’s summer shopping list. Faith in £72m arrival Rasmus Hojlund remains strong but with Anthony Martial leaving as a free agent, support and cover is needed for the 21-year-old Danish international.

Sancho exit

Jadon Sancho is now widely expected to move on from United this summer, following the decision to keep Ten Hag in charge. Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg reports that Sancho is ‘very’ likely to find football elsewhere after being axed from the Reds squad last year.

Sancho and Ten Hag had a very public falling out in September after the latter was accused of below-par performances in training, following his omission from the matchday squad to face Arsenal. The 24-year-old joined Borussia Dortmund on loan in January and has enjoyed an impressive return to the German club, featuring in the Champions League final defeat to Real Madrid.

With Ten Hag now set to remain at United and talks over a new contract set for the future, Sancho does not look to have a future at United and so could now look for a permanent exit. Dortmund are known to be interested in a permanent deal but could be priced out, with those in charge at Old Trafford keen to recoup a large portion of the £73m they spent back in 2021.