Report: Man Utd Decline Swap Deal For Serie A Superstar Striker

Manchester United have had troubles up top over the past few seasons. Plenty of talented centre-forwards have come and gone at Old Trafford this decade – and recently, it has transpired that they turned down the opportunity to sign another.

According to ManUNews, AS Roma made an offer to United for them to sign Artem Dovbyk in exchange for Joshua Zirkzee. Despite this, United ‘do not want’ Dovbyk – as such, the two players will remain at their current clubs for now.

Despite this, Roma are ‘keen’ to bring the Dutch international on board in the upcoming January transfer window – they’re unlikely to be completely deterred at such an early stage.

What has been said regarding the failed move?

Journalist Enrico Cameilo stated: “There’s not a lot of money [for Roma], even for the next transfer window. One name that’s been circulating is [Joshua] Zirkzee.

He would be an incredible upgrade. Manchester [United] doesn’t want [Artem] Dovbyk and so no swap. Let’s wait.”

Could Artem Dovbyk have been a key player for Man Utd?

Dovbyk is certainly a talented footballer. At 28 years of age, he is in the prime of his career – making now, theoretically, the best time to sign him. His most impressive campaign came during the 2023/24 season, when he scored 24 goals in 36 La Liga games for Girona.

However, ultimately, United brought in a lot of fresh talent in the summer – including three players who can function as a striker. With Benjamin Sesko, Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo already in place at the club, Dovbyk would have been in danger of getting lost in the mix.

For a player of Dovbyk’s quality, this would have been a poor move for both the player and the club. United simply would not have had much of a use for him – as such, his career would have likely stagnated as he sat on the bench, grasping and clawing at any minutes he could get.

Additionally, Dovbyk is unproven in the Premier League. The same can be said for Sesko, but Mbuemo and Cunha have both already shown they have what it takes to perform in England’s top division.

Could Joshua Zirkzee be a key player for Man Utd?

Of course, this could also spell good news for Zirkzee. It seems that United are not willing to get rid of him yet – but it should be noted that he has played five games for the Red Devils in 2025/26, failing to score a goal or rack up an assist.

It seems that United’s rejection comes from their unwillingness to sign Dovbyk, rather than their affinity for Zirkzee. Therefore, if Roma come knocking with a superior offer in January, we could see the former Bayern Munich man leave Old Trafford before the end of the season.

Zirkzee’s talents make him a valuable player to have, but his sporadic form, combined with the superior talent ahead of him in the pecking order, means it is probably best if he departs Old Trafford in the near future.

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