Fiorentina Pursues Zirkzee as Kean Heads to Como

Fiorentina are reshaping their attack, and the first domino is about to fall. Moise Kean is closing in on a move to Como, and La Viola know they cannot let the window close without a proper replacement through the door.

That search has led them straight to Joshua Zirkzee.

Zirkzee tops Fiorentina list – but price is a problem

Fiorentina have identified two main candidates: Beto and Zirkzee. On the technical side, the Manchester United forward is the preferred option. Younger, more versatile, and with a higher ceiling, he fits the profile of a long-term No 9 for Vincenzo Italiano’s side.

The numbers from England, though, tell a different story about the market. Reports relayed by Sport Witness say United want around £25–30 million for Zirkzee. For Fiorentina, that figure changes the conversation. It is the sort of fee that can derail an entire summer plan.

Beto, by contrast, sits in a more accessible bracket: around £21.4–25m, with significantly lower wage demands. He is three years older than Zirkzee and has a more established Premier League record: 20 goals and one assist in 98 appearances. Zirkzee, who only arrived in England in 2024, has five goals and three assists from 56 games.

The talent gap is debatable. The financial gap is not.

United role shrinking as Zirkzee waits on offers

On the pitch, the signs at Old Trafford are not encouraging for the Dutchman. Michael Carrick left Zirkzee out of the squad for United’s season opener away to Hull City last Saturday, a decision that only intensified speculation over his future.

The forward has already endured a heavily reduced role over the last year. United’s absence from European competition and early cup exits stripped away the rotation games that fringe players usually rely on. Minutes dried up, and with them, momentum.

Champions League qualification this season should, in theory, open more doors. In reality, the competition has only grown fiercer. Marcus Rashford has been reintegrated and can occupy any position across the frontline, pushing Zirkzee further down the pecking order. The message is clear: if he wants to play regularly, he may have to look elsewhere.

For now, Zirkzee is waiting. Concrete proposals, not just enquiries, will decide his next move.

Juventus lurking as Fiorentina weigh their move

Fiorentina’s calculations are not just about balance sheets. They are also about timing and rivalry. The club are fully aware that Juventus are working to bring Zirkzee back to Serie A after his impressive two-year spell at Bologna.

Crucially, the player has already informed the Bianconeri that he would be open to joining them. That admission adds another layer of difficulty for La Viola. Competing with Juventus on both finances and appeal is a tall order.

So Fiorentina stand at a crossroads. Pay a premium to try to lure their first-choice target away from both Manchester United and Juventus, or pivot to the more affordable Beto and lock down a deal before Kean’s departure leaves them exposed.

One thing is certain: with Kean on the verge of signing for Como, Florence cannot afford to wait too long.