Manchester United are reportedly interested in Atalanta defender Giorgio Scalvini, according to The Telegraph. The 22-year-old Italy international has made 137 appearances for the Serie A side and could provide much-needed reinforcement in Michael Carrick's backline, given the injury issues of Lisandro Martinez and Matthijs de Ligt last season.
Carrick's Transfer Priorities Shift
Carrick has yet to complete his transfer business this summer, with less than a month until the transfer window closes. He has already strengthened his midfield with the signings of Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos from Aston Villa and Chelsea, respectively. Just over two weeks remain until their season-opener against newly-promoted Hull City, and Carrick remains on the hunt for new arrivals at Old Trafford.
A defensive signing has yet to be made, but it could be on the cards as the Premier League giants target a player they've previously scouted. The Telegraph claims Carrick is no longer focused on signing a third midfielder, with the remaining transfer funds potentially being used to acquire a defender.
Scalvini's Profile and Injury Concerns
Scalvini, who can occasionally play as a defensive midfielder, completed an impressive 88% of his passes last term. According to Transfermarkt, the defender is valued at £32m (€38m), but his injury issues could cause the United boss to think twice. He has missed 81 matches in the last three years, including 14 games last season, due to four separate fitness problems.
Zirkzee's Potential Departure
United have yet to bolster their attack this summer, aside from the return of Marcus Rashford, but that hasn't stopped Carrick from entertaining the idea of letting Joshua Zirkzee leave the club. According to Sky Sport Italia, Juventus are interested in signing the Dutch striker on a season-long loan.
The 25-year-old has failed to establish himself at the club since his £36.5million arrival in 2024, scoring just nine goals in 75 appearances across all competitions. The report claims that Zirkzee has already given his approval to the Serie A giants, with opportunities at United drying up last year due to the existence of Benjamin Sesko, Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo.
