Serie A side identify Joshua Zirkzee alternatives

Manchester United’s attacking overhaul under Ruben Amorim has pushed Joshua Zirkzee down the pecking order.

The Dutch striker arrived at Old Trafford in the summer of 2024, joining from Bologna for a fee of around £36 million after scoring 12 Serie A goals and assisting seven more.

His first campaign at United showed flashes of promise—seven goals and four assists across all competitions in 2024/25.

This season has been even more difficult, with Zirkzee starting only three matches and making most of his appearances from the bench.

Amorim’s preference for Benjamin Šeško, Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo in the attacking line has effectively left Zirkzee as the fifth-choice option.

This lack of playing time has alerted several clubs across Europe, with Roma, AC Milan, and Napoli all monitoring his situation ahead of the January transfer window.

Roma have shown the strongest intent so far.

Serie A clubs in particular see value in bringing him back to Italy, where his physicality, technique, and link-up play first flourished.

With Zirkzee determined to secure regular football to make the Netherlands’ 2026 World Cup squad, January now looks like the natural turning point in his stalled Manchester United chapter.

Gazzetta dello Sport reports that Manchester United are open to discussing a loan deal with an option to buy for Roma target Joshua Zirkzee.

But the Giallorossi are also monitoring several other attacking options, including Tottenham’s Mathys Tel.

Roma are determined to bring in at least one new forward during the January transfer window.

The latest report claims United are willing to allow Zirkzee to leave on loan with an option to buy at the end of the season.

According to the report, United want the option-to-buy clause set at a minimum of €35 million, which matches the amount Roma must pay to make Evan Ferguson’s move permanent next year.

Zirkzee currently earns €3.5 million per season, and if he joins Roma in January, the Italian club will cover half his wages until his future is reassessed in the summer, should he stay permanently.

Roma’s alternative option is Franculino Djù of Midtjylland, although his club is demanding €30 million for a permanent transfer.

Tottenham’s Mathys Tel is another name strongly considered because of his ability to play both as a central striker and as a left winger.

The young former Bayern Munich forward is eager to leave Spurs — even on loan — after struggling for minutes this season and being excluded from their Champions League squad.

Tel is viewed as a more realistic and financially manageable target than El Mala of Köln, who is valued at €45m, and Yuri Alberto of Corinthians, who carries a €30m price tag.

Racing’s Jeremy Arévalo, who has a €7m release clause, also remains on Roma’s list of potential signings.