Man Utd must replace Zirkzee with £55m French striker, he is a "generational talent"

Manchester United could enter the transfer market for a new striker this summer.

The Red Devils presently have Benjamin Sesko as the regular number nine. Joshua Zirkzee has hardly played for the club this campaign and could be on his way out soon.

The Dutchman has been linked with a return to the Italian top-flight, and reports claim that Juventus are already negotiating with his agent regarding a potential summer move.

Amidst this, United have started the hunt for a replacement, and The Daily Mail report that the club are closely monitoring Bournemouth forward Junior Kroupi to fill the void.

Kroupi would be an outstanding acquisition

The 19-year-old was signed by the Cherries from sister club Lorient for £12 million in February last year. He was loaned back to the Ligue 1 outfit for the remainder of the 2024/25 season.

Kroupi started his debut campaign for the Cherries as a regular substitute, but he has played a more prominent role, particularly after the mid-season departure of Antoine Semenyo.

The Frenchman has notched up 10 goals from just 1,246 minutes in the Premier League. He is a centre-forward by trade but has also played as a number 10 behind Evanilson at times.

Kroupi has a shot-to-goal conversion rate of 28 percent, which is hugely impressive. He has the knack for scoring long-range goals and has the traits to become an elite striker in future.

Bournemouth teammate Marcus Tavernier has described him as a ‘generational talent‘, and he certainly looks like one. He does not shy away from the big occasion and has proved his credentials with goals against Arsenal and Manchester United, home and away this campaign.

It is reported that the Cherries may seek between £55 million and £60 million for the striker. United should swoop for the highly-rated Frenchman. They could have the centre-forward department sorted for the next decade with Sesko and Kroupi competing for places.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com

Article written by Sri Aswin .