Fiorentina Plot Zirkzee Move as Kean’s Como Transfer Hits Crossroads

FolioPitch.com – 27 August 2026 | Manchester United forward Zirkzee eyed by Fiorentina if Kean completes Como switch – that is the emerging scenario at Stadio Artemio Franchi, where the Viola are bracing for a major attacking shake-up. According to Calciomercato.it, the Netherlands international has moved ahead of Beto on Fiorentina’s list of targets, with the Manchester United striker available this summer. The potential arrival of Zirkzee is directly tied to the future of Moise Kean, whose relationship with the club has deteriorated sharply in recent days.

The pursuit of Zirkzee comes after Kean failed to appear for training with the squad on Wednesday morning. The 24-year-old was subsequently fined by the club, though he later agreed to attend an individual session in the afternoon. Kean is pushing hard for a move to Como, who have lodged a second offer worth €40m, comprising €35m fixed and €5m in bonuses. Fiorentina, however, are holding out for a higher fee and, crucially, will not sanction the sale until an adequate replacement has been secured.

This stance aligns with what sporting director Fabio Paratici publicly stated before Monday’s 4-0 defeat at Roma. Paratici named three conditions for any departure, the third being that Fiorentina find a player of equal or better quality. With Kean’s exit looking increasingly likely, the Viola have accelerated their search for a proven goalscorer, and Manchester United forward Zirkzee eyed by Fiorentina if Kean completes Como switch has become the most concrete option.

Zirkzee’s Premier League Stint and Availability

Joshua Zirkzee joined Manchester United from Bologna in the summer of 2024 for a reported €42.5m. He made an immediate impact, scoring on his Premier League debut against Fulham at Old Trafford. However, his first season in England has been inconsistent, and the Red Devils are reportedly open to letting him leave this summer to generate funds and trim their squad. The 23-year-old has shown glimpses of his technical ability and link-up play, but his goal return has not fully justified his price tag, leading to speculation about a return to Serie A.

Fiorentina see Zirkzee as an ideal fit for their system under head coach Raffaele Palladino. The Dutch forward can operate as a central striker or in a deeper role, offering flexibility in attack. His familiarity with Italian football, having previously excelled at Bologna, makes him an attractive option for the Viola. According to reports, Zirkzee has moved ahead of Everton’s Beto on Fiorentina’s shortlist, with the Manchester United man seen as a higher-ceiling addition.

Kean’s Desire to Join Como

Moise Kean’s situation has become a major talking point in the Serie A transfer window. The Italy international has expressed his desire to join newly ambitious Como, who are backed by significant investment and are looking to build a competitive squad. Como’s latest offer of €40m is substantial, but Fiorentina are demanding closer to €50m, especially given that Kean scored 15 league goals last season. The breakdown in trust between player and club has made a resolution inevitable, but the timing remains uncertain.

Fiorentina’s insistence on securing a replacement before sanctioning Kean’s departure is a classic transfer chess move. By linking themselves with Zirkzee, the Viola are signaling that they will not be rushed into a deal that weakens their squad. The club’s hierarchy is aware that losing Kean without a top-tier replacement could derail their ambitions of qualifying for European competition next season. That is why the phrase ‘Manchester United forward Zirkzee eyed by Fiorentina if Kean completes Como switch’ is more than just a rumor – it reflects a strategic contingency plan.

Paratici’s Three Conditions

Fabio Paratici, who took over as sporting director earlier this year, has been transparent about the club’s transfer policy. Before the Roma match, he outlined three conditions that must be met for any key player to leave: the offer must be financially significant, the player must be determined to leave, and the club must have a replacement of equal or better quality already identified. In Kean’s case, the first two conditions are close to being satisfied, but the third is still unresolved. Fiorentina’s pursuit of Zirkzee is a direct response to that final condition.

Other names have been mentioned, including Beto and even a potential return for Dusan Vlahovic, but Zirkzee appears to be the primary target. The Dutchman’s style of play contrasts with Kean’s more physical approach, but his creativity and pressing ability could bring a new dimension to the Viola attack. Moreover, Zirkzee is younger and has resale value, making him a smart investment from a financial perspective.

What’s Next for Fiorentina and Manchester United?

With the transfer window in full swing, negotiations are expected to intensify over the coming days. Fiorentina will need to act quickly if they want to secure Zirkzee, as other clubs, including Juventus, have also been linked with the forward. Manchester United, for their part, are open to a permanent sale but may prefer a loan with an obligation to buy to protect his market value. The player’s agents have reportedly been sounded out about a move to Florence, and talks are said to be at an early but positive stage.

For now, the ball is in Como’s court. If they increase their offer to Fiorentina’s valuation, Kean will almost certainly be allowed to leave. Should that happen, expect the Viola to formalize their interest in Zirkzee quickly. The situation remains fluid, but one thing is clear: Manchester United forward Zirkzee eyed by Fiorentina if Kean completes Como switch is a storyline that could define the final weeks of the transfer window.

In conclusion, Fiorentina are walking a tightrope between financial pragmatism and sporting ambition. By identifying Zirkzee as the ideal replacement for Kean, they have given themselves a viable plan. Whether they can execute it will depend on Como’s willingness to meet their asking price and Manchester United’s flexibility in negotiations. Fans of the Viola will be watching closely as the drama unfolds, hoping that the club emerges stronger from this turbulent period.