Romano reveals how Atletico Madrid will help Man Utd sign a new striker

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Utd Report

·26 August 2026

Romano reveals how Atletico Madrid will help Man Utd sign a new striker

Manchester United are still hoping to replace Joshua Zirkzee with another striker, and they might find themselves an indirect ally in Atletico Madrid.

After finishing off their midfield revamp with Carlos Baleba’s addition, the Premier League giants are currently fixated on finding a new left-back before next Tuesday’s transfer deadline.

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However, INEOS could also address their attacking department, but only if Zirkzee makes way for a new addition.

Jonathan David to Atletico, Joshua Zirkzee to Juventus?

(Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)

On Saturday, Zirkzee was an unused substitute in Man Utd’s 0-2 defeat to Hull City. Michael Carrick preferred to start with Matheus Cunha in the striker role, and in the second half he brought on Benjamin Sesko, despite his lack of fitness, and 19-year-old Shea Lacey, signalling that the Dutchman is at the very bottom of the pecking order.

Therefore, Zirkzee should seek a transfer for his own sake, and his most likely destination will be Italy, where he remains a popular figure thanks to his Bologna exploits.

Juventus are said to be leading the race for the 25-year-old, but like Man Utd, they can only sign a new attacker by offloading one of their own.

According to Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, the stars could finally line up for Zirkzee and the Bianconeri, as Atletico Madrid are showing interest in Jonathan David, who fell down Luciano Spalletti’s pecking order after a disappointing first season in Turin.

If the Spanish capital club decides to bet on the Canadian striker, this would spark a domino effect, allowing Juventus to launch a late-summer onslaught for Zirkzee, and subsequently clear the way for a new addition to Man Utd’s attack.

Which strikers could join Man Utd?

(Photo by Lewis Storey/Getty Images)

At this stage, United haven’t had concrete talks with any forwards that we are aware of, perhaps because they realise that these attempts would be futile if Zirkzee doesn’t leave the club.

Nevertheless, Crystal Palace star Jean-Philippe Mateta has been mentioned by several sources over the past few days.

The big Frenchman is running on an expiring contract, so he could be available at a discount. Nevertheless, it remains to be seen if the Eagles would be willing to offload him at this late stage of the summer.

22-year-old Club Brugge man Nicolo Tresoldi is an Italo-German attacker who reportedly caught the attention of Christopher Vivell and the rest of Man Utd’s recruitment team, so he could be one to keep an eye on.

On the other hand, Ivan Toney remains a difficult track, as Al-Ahli are unlikely to sanction the departure of the English international who bagged 40 goals last season, nor do they need the cash.