Zirkzee Agrees to Fiorentina Move, Manchester United Contract Details Revealed

Joshua Zirkzee has opened the door to a move to Fiorentina. The Viola have submitted an offer to Manchester United totaling approximately 35 million euros and are awaiting the English club's response. Simultaneously, Fabio Paratici is working on identifying Beto and Arnaud Kalimuendo as potential alternatives to quickly secure a successor for Moise Kean for Fabio Grosso.

Zirkzee Says Yes to Fiorentina

Fiorentina has achieved a significant first step in the pursuit of Zirkzee: the Dutch striker has given his consent to a transfer to Florence, according to Gazzetta.

The player wishes to leave Manchester United after two challenging seasons in the Premier League and finds the prospect of returning to Serie A particularly appealing.

He experienced the most successful period of his career in Italy. With Thiago Motta's Bologna, particularly in the 2023-24 season, he demonstrated technical qualities, associative skills, and a remarkable ability to facilitate his teammates' play.

Florence can offer him a central role and the chance to re-establish himself after losing ground in the Red Devils' pecking order.

Now Manchester United Must Respond

The player's willingness is not enough to finalize the deal. Manchester United aims to recoup at least a substantial portion of the 42.5 million euros invested two years ago.

Fiorentina has presented a structured proposal involving a loan with a fee of approximately five million euros, coupled with a buy-out option that is set to become an obligation under certain conditions.

The projected figure for a permanent transfer would be close to 30 million euros. Therefore, the overall value of the deal would reach around 35 million euros, excluding bonuses.

The English club would not accept a simple buy-out option, even if it were substantial. They seek concrete guarantees regarding the player's future sale.

Paratici Leverages Advantage Over Juventus

The strong relationship between Fabio Paratici and Zirkzee's agent has played a crucial role in accelerating the deal.

The Viola's sporting director has capitalized on Juventus's slowdown, as they are unable to complete the operation without the departure of Jonathan David. While the Bianconeri were waiting for a resolution regarding the Canadian forward, Fiorentina continued negotiations with Manchester United and secured the player's agreement.

Zirkzee had been a primary target for Juventus for weeks, but their inability to free up a space in their attacking department allowed the Viola to overtake them.

Contacts Also Made for Kalimuendo

The third candidate is Arnaud Kalimuendo from Nottingham Forest.

The profile is highly favored by the Viola management, but the player has not yet definitively agreed to a transfer. Fiorentina is attempting to convince him by offering him the prominent role left vacant by Kean's departure.

Kalimuendo is quicker and more mobile than Beto and can operate in various attacking positions. However, Nottingham Forest is not inclined to offer particularly favorable terms.

The relationship between the clubs is also influenced by the ongoing negotiation for Dodô. The Brazilian full-back is set to leave Fiorentina and is of interest to the English club, as well as Olympiacos.