Man United could look to sell one of their players in the January transfer window to AC Milan.
Man United are heading into the weekend looking to win their fourth league game in a row under Ruben Amorim. They play against Nottingham Forest, and could climb up to second in the Premier League table with a win against Sean Dyche’s side.
However, looking at the long term, Man United will be keen to improve Amorim’s squad in the January transfer window. But, United spent over £170m in the summer, so they may need to see some players leave before they can bring in more talent to help Amorim get this United team back into Europe.
Striker Joshua Zirkzee has been linked with a move away in the winter, with multiple clubs from the Serie A reportedly keen. The Dutchman has struggled to get consistent form at Old Trafford, and could manufacture a move in search of more game time ahead of the World Cup in the summer.
Man United could swap Zirkzee for AC Milan star
Reports in Italy have begun to claim that AC Milan have identified Zirkzee as a player who could help boost their attacking options, as they are looking to add more firepower up front in January. Italian news outlet Gazzetta dello Sport, Milan are interested, but unlikely to make a move.
The report does say that if United were to offer the 24-year-old to Milan, they could be willing to make a move. However, the Red Devils could use this chance to help fill a need that they have. United are desperate for a holding midfielder who can help to control the midfield alongside Bruno Fernandes.
They have been linked to the likes of Carlos Baleba and Elliot Anderson in the Premier League. Both of whom are expected to cost over £100m in the January window, which is simply not doable for United. They could instead offer AC Milan a swap involving midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek.
Why Loftus-Cheek would be a good addition
The former Chelsea midfielder primarily plays as a holding midfielder for Milan. He is a solid, reliable and physical option in the middle of the park. That is exactly the sort of player that Amorim could do with adding in midfield, and the benefit is that Loftus-Cheek has shown in the past that he is more than capable of performing in the Premier League.
The 28-year-old has a market value of just around £9m, with Zirkzee having a value of around £25m. So United could offer Zirkzee in a swap deal for Loftus-Cheek, and a cash boost of over £15m. It would give United not only extra cash, but also a reliable option in midfield, who can be a short-term fix to Amorim’s lack of options in the middle of the park.
So far this season, Loftus-Cheek has made nine appearances for AC Milan, scoring one goal. Since joining the Italian club in June 2023, the 29-year-old has made 77 appearances, scoring 11 goals and three assists; He has also won the Italian Super Cup. As mentioned, he has previous experience in the Premier League too, making over 150 appearances in the competition, scoring 10 goals, and providing 11 assists.
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