Joshua Zirkzee transfer fee increased by Manchester United

Manchester United’s Joshua Zirkzee has had a rough speel at Old Trafford, failing to impress since joining Manchester United in summer 2024.

The striker arrived from Bologna under Erik ten Hag as back-up for Rasmus Hojlund, now, neither look to have a place at Old Trafford.

Hojlund has been back in Serie A, on loan with Italian champions Napoli, hinting at a permanent move at the end of the year, while AS Roma are pursuing Zirkzee.

It’s understood that Roma are in routine contact with Manchester United over a potential move, however there may now be a key obstacle in any January move.

La Gazzetta dello Sport has reported that whilst Roma are primarily looking for just a loan deal for the former Netherlands international, United want to line up a permanent move.

Not only that, but The Red Devils have also reportedly increased their price for their unwanted striker.

Back in November, United were reportedly open to a loan deal as long as it contained an option to buy between £22 million and £26 million (€25 million and €30 million).

Now, the figure that Gazzetta dello Sport is reporting is £39.5 million (€45 million), making an increase of around £14 million (€15 million), as well as a shift from option to buy, to an obligatory buy clause.

Another issue for Roma is that United aren’t willing to entertain a move until after the Africa Cup of Nations has finished, seeing Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo return to Carrington.

With the pair out, United are limited with options for attack, and losing Zirkzee, despite his minor involvement in the season so far, would be a huge blow should any injuries crop up.

Benjamin Sesko has only just returned from a knock which side-lined him for a few weeks, and so The Red Devils are understandably being cautious.

As such, Roma will have to weigh up how they feel for an obligatory buy clause and if they’re happy to wait until the end of January for a move.