TRANSFER WAR: SERIE A SIDES CHASE UNHAPPY UNITED PLAYER
Man United's Joshua Zirkzee is a January transfer target for AS Roma and Como. The striker has struggled for game time at Old Trafford and could return to Serie A.
According to reports, Como and Roma are vying for the services of Joshua Zirkzee, an attacking forward for Manchester United.
According to reports, Roma and Como are vying for the services of Joshua Zirkzee, a forward for Manchester United who is anticipated to depart Old Trafford at the beginning of 2026.
Before joining Manchester United in the summer of 2024, Zirkzee made 58 appearances for Bologna, scoring 14 goals and dishing out nine assists. However, he has had a difficult time in Manchester.
It has been challenging for the 24-year-old to get consistent action in the early going of the 2025–26 season, as he has only managed seven goals and three assists in 53 appearances for the Red Devils.
The Netherlands international has only played 82 minutes this season and has not been used as a substitute in four of his team's seven 2025–26 Premier League games.
Man United will not play another non-Premier League match until January, when their FA Cup challenge will start, as a result of their early exit from the EFL Cup and exclusion from Europe.
Como and Roma are engaged in a "fight" for Zirkzee of Man United.
Benjamin Sesko is ahead of Zirkzee at centre-forward, and Bryan Mbeumo, Bruno Fernandes, Mason Mount, Amad Diallo, and Matheus Cunha are contenders for the number 10 place. Zirkzee is further down the hierarchy when it comes to the last third of the field.
Zirkzee's future is currently the subject of much conjecture; however, it is believed that he is eager to return to Italy during the transfer window.
Gazzetta dello Sport claims that Roma and Como are currently engaged in a straight-up battle for the attacker.
Roma is reportedly in first place, but Como's financial might has put Cesc Fabregas' team firmly in the running, with a permanent move in January reportedly within reach.
Unless an agreement could be reached that would see him depart permanently next summer at the conclusion of any loan period, Man United would prefer a permanent departure in January.
Would Zirkzee's departure make Manchester United regret it?
The Dutchman has great technique, and Zirkzee is a terrific football player, but it is undeniable that he has struggled greatly in the Premier League.
The attacker's game is more suited to a league where games move more slowly, and he lacks the mobility to be a force in England's top flight.
A return to Serie A thus makes a lot of sense, and he might be able to secure a berth in the Netherlands squad for the 2026 World Cup if he has a great second half of the 2025–26 season.
Mateo Retegui, an Italian striker, has reportedly been selected by Man United as a possible successor.
PULISIC HITS BACK: MILAN STAR SHUTS DOWN 2026 GOAL DROUGHT CONCERNS
"I haven't stopped dreaming." Christian Pulisic addresses his goal drought and the frustration of missing out on the Gold Cup squad.
Christian Pulisic isn’t holding back. When critics started questioning his recent form and worried about his 2026 goal drought, he shut them down, calling those concerns “bad questions". The AC Milan forward, fresh off his Time magazine cover, still trusts his ability to step up for the USMNT as they gear up to co-host the World Cup.
All eyes are on him.
The U.S. is set to share the stage for the 2026 World Cup, and Pulisic is set to become the go-to guy for the national team. Landing on the cover of Time isn’t something soccer stars from America get every day, and it just shows how big a deal he’s become, especially after proving himself in Europe. But right as people are finally giving him mainstream recognition, he’s under the microscope for not putting up his usual numbers in front of the goal.
He’s not fazed by the dip.
When Time asked about his goal drought and how he’s handling not scoring for club or country this year, Pulisic didn’t mince words; he’s not sweating it. “I plan on scoring goals. Such bad questions. I’m not concerned about it, man.” You can hear the confidence in his voice.
Dealing with the noise
Pulisic admits this stretch feels extra tough. Missing out on last June’s Gold Cup squad hurt him, mostly because he’s used to shutting people up with his play. “Normally, I just go out there and score, and that quiets everybody. Right now, I’m in my offseason, so everyone’s talking, and I can’t do anything about it. That’s what’s frustrating.”
For Pulisic, attacking is everything. “Going at the goal, creating attacks, that’s what I live for. Sure, you have to do all the other stuff: defend, run, whatever. That’s fine. But what really gives me joy is finding ways to score and actually scoring.”
Chasing the dream
The U.S. opens their World Cup run against Paraguay at the SoFi Stadium on June 12, and Pulisic will lead the team right here at home. He doesn’t like making big public predictions, but at 27, he keeps that childhood dream alive. “That’s just not how I work. But I’ll lie in bed and imagine myself holding the World Cup trophy. I did that when I was a kid, and I haven’t stopped. You need to believe. Why not?”
WHY DID LAUTARO MARTINEZ REJECT A CAREER-DEFINING MOVE TO THE PREMIER LEAGUE?
"I love Milan." Read why 28-year-old Lautaro Martinez rejected Manchester United and Arsenal to stay at the San Siro in 2026.
Inter captain Lautaro Martinez has clearly put an end to any speculation about leaving San Siro, making it known that he has no plans to entertain offers from Europe’s top clubs. Even with regular links to teams like Barcelona, Manchester United, and Arsenal, the Argentine forward is fully committed to what’s happening in Milan.
Martinez has been quite vocal about his dedication to Inter amid constant rumours about his future. Despite frequent connections to some of the biggest clubs on the continent, he insists there’s no reason for him to move on from the current Serie A champions.
Media reports have often tied him to Barcelona, PSG, Arsenal, and Manchester United. But through various transfer windows, Martinez has consistently pushed back on the idea of leaving Inter. At 28, he remains a key figure in the team’s current setup and has stepped up as the club’s captain and on-field leader.
In an interview with Cronache di Spogliatoio, Martinez expressed his loyalty to Inter’s project. He made it clear that he isn’t interested in changing clubs despite the speculation.
He said, “No, because I am faithful to the Inter project, I feel at home here. My family is happy, we have a restaurant in the city, and we love Milan. From the first day, everyone treated me in a way I didn’t think possible. I achieved so many personal and team goals here.”
Success on the pitch seems to deepen his connection to the club. Inter recently secured another league title and continues to chase trophies, including the Coppa Italia. On an individual level, Martinez is eyeing the Capocannoniere prize as Serie A’s top scorer. His steady performances underline why he’s considered one of the most reliable forwards in European football.
Since his move from Racing Club in 2018, Martinez has become the defining presence in Inter’s modern lineup. With 173 goals over 372 competitive games, it’s clear how vital he is to the team.
Looking ahead, the club sees Martinez as a central piece in their long-term plans. His leadership and scoring ability make him hard to replace. Settled both on and off the field in Milan, he seems set on continuing his story at the Giuseppe Meazza, despite ongoing interest from Europe’s elite clubs.
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