When one of the hottest strikers on the European market announces his intention to move clubs, expect the piranhas to circle.

Borussia Dortmund, AC Milan and Arsenal. Those are the three clubs mentioned by Bundesliga reporter Florian Plettenberg on X, Serhou Guirassy allegedly telling the Stuttgart bosses that he wants a transfer this summer.

But what about Manchester United?

A Red Devils side who have been in the market for a striker since the turn of the year? A Red Devils side who have been linked with Guirassy pretty frequently over the last few months?

Perhaps the Old Trafford ship has now sailed. Manchester United not only appear to be prioritising a younger, Rasmus Hojlund-type of signing, they also want seem to want a 'facilitator' rather than a 'finisher'.

That explains why Joshua Zirkzee has emerged as United's number one striker target, while Guirassy seemingly drops down the list. It certainly feels telling that Erik ten Hag's side have been omitted from Plettenberg's report.

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Plettenberg believes that Chelsea are 'out' of the race for Guirassy's signature. Reports over the weekend suggested that The Blues were going for Lille's Jonathan David instead, per The Athletic.

Interestingly, David was one of those on Man United's own shortlist, alongside Ivan Toney and the aforementioned Zirkzee.

Former Bayern Munich youngster Zirkzee scored only 12 goals for Bologna last term. Guirassy, in contrast, found the net 30 times in 30 matches. His PS15 million release clause, meanwhile, makes the late-blooming target man some PS20 million cheaper than Zirkzee too.

But at the age of 28, and having never really been particularly prolific in the past, was that remarkable 2023/24 campaign a flash in the pan? Maybe that is another reason why Man United appear reluctant to bet big on Guirassy, with Zirkzee offering not only longevity but also real potential at just 23.

Zirkzee may be a better stylistic fit for this United team too. Dropping deep and linking the play, the elegant Dutchman will give Ten Hag a viable Plan B. Guirassy, meanwhile, is more in the Hojlund mould.

Bundesliga hitman wants to leave Stuttgart "When he came to us, it was a special moment," Simeone Iacoponi, who played with Zirkzee at Parma a few years back, tells Milan News.

"It was his first experience in the Italian league and initially he had some more difficulties. But it was evident that he had important qualities.

"Technically and physically, he was a player of the highest level. At Bologna, he found his dimension, more than anything thanks to the trust of the team and the coach. The qualities that were seen in Parma came to the fore.

"He can already be important for a great team. What strikes me about him? His personality. He is a player who is convinced of what he can do," adds Iacoponi, highlighting similarities with a young Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

"The comparison can be made due to their size and their movements, but Joshua is much more technical than Ibra who was stronger."