AS Roma is reportedly targeting a January transfer for Manchester United’s Joshua Zirkzee to address persistent attacking problems, with the player seeking more game time ahead of the World Cup.
AS Roma is actively pursuing a January loan deal for Manchester United striker Joshua Zirkzee, who is keen to return to Serie A due to a lack of playing time, as Roma manager Gian Piero Gasperini seeks a solution to the club’s severe goal-scoring drought.
According to multiple reports, including from Il Messaggero and Goal.com, AS Roma has identified Manchester United forward Joshua Zirkzee as their primary target for the upcoming January transfer window.
The move is being driven by a critical lack of efficiency in the Giallorossi’s attack, which has struggled to score goals this season, compounded by the recent injury to key striker Artem Dovbyk.
Roma is pushing for a straight loan deal, hoping to secure the Dutch international’s services for the remainder of the season.
However, Manchester United is reportedly only willing to sanction a temporary departure if the agreement includes a substantial €25 million buy-out option.
This financial demand is currently a key sticking point in negotiations, particularly given Roma’s ongoing concerns regarding Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations.
Zirkzee, who previously impressed in Serie A at Bologna, has struggled for minutes at Old Trafford under manager Ruben Amorim, appearing only four times in the Premier League for a total of 82 minutes.
The 24-year-old is said to be desperate for regular football ahead of the 2026 World Cup and reportedly views Roma as his “dream destination.”
Despite Zirkzee’s preference for the Italian capital, Roma faces competition from Premier League clubs like West Ham United, whose interest is reportedly being fueled by the player’s agent, Kia Joorabchian.
Should the Zirkzee deal prove too complicated, Roma has lined up alternatives, including Feyenoord’s Ayase Ueda and Cologne’s Said El Mala.