Relegated down the pecking order of strikers at Manchester United, Joshua Zirkzee is a possible departure in the January transfer window. The Dutch striker is, in any case, heavily courted by AS Roma, who have made an attractive offer to the Red Devils.
For many months, AS Roma have been reported to be chasing Joshua Zirkzee. This interest from the Giallorossi has been confirmed just days before the opening of the January window. Indeed, according to Il Messaggero, the Roman side are planning to completely overhaul their attacking options this winter.
AS Roma want to end Evan Ferguson's loan and could do the same with Leon Bailey, while Artem Dovbyk has been given the green light to leave. To replace these attackers, the Serie A side have two profiles in their sights: Joshua Zirkzee and Giacomo Raspadori.
AS Roma offer £35m to Manchester United for Joshua Zirkzee
The Giallorossi do not have unlimited funds, however, and will have to make these moves in compliance with financial fair play. As such, loans with an option to buy are expected for both deals. The Italian giants' priority remains unchanged: Joshua Zirkzee, who is among the seven Manchester United players heading for the exit this winter, along with Kobbie Mainoo in particular. According to the same source, Roma have offered a paid loan of €5m (£4.5m) with an option to buy of €30m (£26.5m) plus €5m (£4.5m) in bonuses, reaching a total of €40m (£35.1m).
A sizeable package for a striker who is struggling at Manchester United. Indeed, the 24-year-old, who has scored just one goal this season, is a substitute in Ruben Amorim's eyes, having started him just three times in 11 appearances.
Manchester United want £44m for Zirkzee
However, this attractive offer for a player who arrived for €60m (£52.7m) from Bologna in 2024 (€42m/£36.9m in fixed fees plus €18m/£15.8m in bonuses) would reportedly be insufficient for the Red Devils, who are holding out for €50m (£43.9m) to let Joshua Zirkzee go. In any case, with Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo away at the Africa Cup of Nations, Manchester United will only be able to open the door to the Dutchman's departure from mid-January.
By then, Gian Piero Gasperini hopes that AS Roma will have wrapped up the signing of Raspadori. Frederic Massara has already offered a loan with an option to buy of €20m (£17.5m) to Atletico Madrid, which would become mandatory if the Giallorossi qualify for the Champions League and depending on the Italian striker's performances during his loan spell.
This article was originally published on Top Mercato.
