Credit: Imago

Jacob Raw

Mon 23 March 2026 15:10, UK

West Ham are at a disadvantage in signing Joshua Zirkzee, with the Manchester United striker wanting a return to Italy.

The Hammers have been linked with Zirkzee for many months, as the Man United star continues to struggle for minutes in the Premier League.

He has not been ruled off Nuno Espirito Santo’s list as of yet, but it’s now becoming increasingly unlikely that he will make his way to the London Stadium this summer.

According to Calcio Mercato, the Dutchman has an “absolutely clear priority” to return to Italy and play in the Serie A, where he used to play with former side Bologna.

West Ham were quoted £21.6million for Zirkzee recently; however, David Sullivan may not be too stressed if he misses out after all.

This is why West Ham don’t need to break sweat over Joshua Zirkzee

West Ham were linked with Zirkzee in the winter transfer window who looks set to play a pretty non-existent part for the rest of Man United’s campaign.

The reported £21.6m fee that the Red Devils want for the forward does seem like a steal considering how good he was in Italy, but there’s been no evidence of real quality since he came to England.

So first of all, Zirkzee would be a gamble, which, given the current state of affairs, would be too risky to take, even if the Irons stay up.

Not only that, the Hammers have invested the big bucks into Taty Castellanos, who is already having a better season than Zirkzee in the Premier League, despite joining two months ago.

It would be no surprise to see the Hammers target a new striker if they stay in the top-flight, because Pablo doesn’t seem to be up to speed with the English game yet.

At the end of the day, Sullivan will be able to try to lure someone who may actually want to come to E20, as the Hammers have made the mistake of targeting the wrong individuals too many times over the years.

Who else have West Ham got on their striker shortlist?

Santiago Gimenez and Raul Jimenez are both two Mexican number nines who appear to be on Nuno’s wishlist.

Like he’s already done with Adama Traore at West Ham, Nuno could try to reunite with Jimenez this summer, who is a proven goal scorer at this level.

Gimenez of AC Milan would be a bit more of a risk to take, though still only 24, he could rekindle his form of scoring 26 goals in one season, but in a West Ham shirt.

There’s plenty of food for thought for Sullivan and Co., and the long pursuit of Zirkzee will certainly not be the end of the world, even if he is available for a low price this summer.