Roma optimistic about signing Manchester United’s Joshua Zirkzee

According to reports citing La Repubblica and detailed by TuttoASRoma.it, Roma have identified Manchester United’s Dutch forward Joshua Zirkzee as their primary objective for the January transfer window.

The news follows an operative meeting at Trigoria during the international break involving key figures, including Ryan Friedkin, Gian Piero Gasperini (Roma’s coach), and Tiago Pinto (Roma’s General Manager). With the attack struggling for goals, Zirkzee has emerged as the preferred target for the management and the coaching staff.

Initial Contacts and Optimism

The report confirms that initial contacts have been established for the 2001-born striker, and a feeling of “cautious optimism” is reportedly prevalent at the club’s training ground. Zirkzee’s profile—which is described as pleasing to the manager and the club’s hierarchy—is being pursued with intensity.

While Manchester United has not yet decided whether to sanction a transfer, the report suggests a crucial element in Roma’s favor: the player’s agent is pushing for a return to Italy. This is a significant boost for Roma, despite competition from other clubs, particularly West Ham.

A Sustainable Transfer Formula

To make the deal financially viable, Roma is studying a “sustainable formula” for the transfer: a loan with an option to buy that would be tied to the team’s qualification for the Champions League. This strategy aims to reinforce the squad immediately while deferring the major financial commitment.