Player hopes to have more minutes this season to stand out in time to compete at World Cup
Roma are drawing up strategies for the January transfer window and have a defined priority. The objective is to strengthen Gian Piero Gasperini's attack with a player who has not yet excelled at Manchester United: Joshua Zirkzee.
At 24 years old, the Dutchman scored his first goal of the season on Sunday (30th), in the Red Devils' victory over Crystal Palace, but has accumulated only 270 minutes played over seven appearances and is not unanimously supported at Old Trafford.
Italian newspaper Il Messaggero reported that Zirkzee was the first name mentioned by Gasperini in a meeting with Roma's top hierarchy about ambitions in the window.
The publication also indicated that the club's director, Frederic Massara, is in contact with the striker's agent in the search for ways to facilitate the transfer. The initial idea would be an agreement on loan with an option to buy.
Roma target Zirkzee shone in Italian football with Bologna
Joshua Zirkzee experienced the peak of his career so far in Italian football. Promoted to the first team at Bayern Munich, the youngster did not have much space in the German team and moved to Parma on loan in 2021. He also spent time at Belgian side RSC Anderlecht before being sold to Bologna in 2022.
He recorded 14 goals and nine assists in 58 matches in the Rossoblù shirt. The majority under the command of Thiago Motta, who arrived at the club shortly after the striker.
His performance at Bologna particularly in 2023-24 led him to be a target for several European giants, including Manchester United. And thus he moved to Manchester in July last year for around €42m (£36m).
Low playing time motivates World Cup 2026 move
However, the Dutchman is without much space given the good understanding between Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha in attack. He earned a place amongst the starters in the last two matches given the Brazilian's absence through injury.
The low minutes would motivate him to leave to stand out at another club with a focus on competing at the 2026 World Cup, according to Il Messaggero. Besides Roma, West Ham would reportedly be interested.
The publication also pointed out that another former Bayern player, Mathys Tel, is Massara's “Plan B” for the Giallorossi. The French striker plays for Tottenham, but like Zirkzee, dreams of more playing time. Another name on the list is Franculino Dju, Midtjylland's Danish gem.
This article was originally published on Trivela.
