Serie A side AS Roma are reportedly stepping up their efforts to secure the signing of Joshua Zirkzee in the upcoming winter transfer window. In a clear show of intent, the club’s sporting director is said to have flown to England to hold direct talks aimed at finalizing a deal for the Manchester United striker.
Roma’s increased activity comes amid a growing need to strengthen their attacking options. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini is believed to be pushing for reinforcements up front as he looks to add more firepower and tactical flexibility to Il Lupi’s frontline for the second half of the season.
Gasperini Identifies Zirkzee as Key Target
Over recent months, Roma have been closely monitoring several attacking profiles across Europe. However, Zirkzee has emerged as a priority target. Gasperini reportedly sees the Dutch international as an ideal fit for his system, valuing the striker’s technical ability, physical presence, and intelligence in link-up play.
Zirkzee’s skill set—combining strength, movement, and creativity—has made him an attractive option for Roma, who are seeking a forward capable of both scoring goals and facilitating attacking transitions. Gasperini believes the 23-year-old could thrive in Serie A, where tactical discipline and positional awareness are highly valued.
Roma Director Holds Direct Talks With Manchester United
According to Corriere dello Sport, AS Roma have taken decisive steps by dispatching sporting director Ricky Massara to England. The trip reportedly took place over the weekend, with Massara meeting Manchester United representatives in London.
The face-to-face discussions underlined Roma’s seriousness. Massara is said to have presented a formal proposal outlining the club’s intentions to bring Zirkzee to the Stadio Olimpico during the January transfer window.
By engaging directly with United officials, Roma aim to accelerate negotiations and avoid prolonged talks that could invite competition from other interested clubs.
Loan Proposal With Financial Commitment
Reports suggest that Roma’s initial offer is structured as a six-month loan deal. Under the proposal, the Italian club would pay a loan fee in the region of €5–6 million to secure Zirkzee’s services until the end of the season.
In addition to the temporary move, Roma are believed to be discussing the inclusion of an option—or potentially an obligation—to make the transfer permanent in the summer. Such a clause would allow Roma to fully assess Zirkzee’s impact before committing to a long-term deal.
The proposed structure reflects Roma’s cautious yet ambitious transfer strategy, balancing immediate squad needs with financial sustainability.
Why Roma Want the Deal Done Quickly
Roma’s urgency is driven by both sporting and strategic factors. Gasperini wants attacking reinforcements as soon as possible to boost the club’s push for domestic and European objectives. The second half of the season is expected to be decisive, with little margin for error in Serie A’s tightly contested table.
Bringing Zirkzee in early would give the striker time to adapt to Gasperini’s tactical demands and build chemistry with teammates. Roma believe that delaying the deal could risk losing momentum or facing increased competition from other clubs monitoring the situation.
Manchester United Reluctant to Let Zirkzee Leave
Despite Roma’s strong interest, Manchester United are reportedly hesitant to sanction Zirkzee’s departure during the winter window. The Premier League side are currently short on attacking options, making the potential exit of the Dutch striker a significant concern.
United’s striking depth is limited, with Benjamin Sesko effectively the only recognized center-forward available. Allowing Zirkzee to leave would leave the squad exposed, particularly if Sesko were to suffer an injury during a congested run of fixtures.
As a result, United are said to be carefully weighing Roma’s proposal against their own squad requirements and competitive objectives.
Zirkzee’s Situation at Old Trafford
Joshua Zirkzee’s role at Manchester United has been a subject of discussion this season. While the striker has shown flashes of quality, he has not always been a guaranteed starter, fueling speculation about a possible move in search of regular playing time.
A loan spell at Roma could offer Zirkzee a fresh start and a central role in a system designed to maximize his strengths. Serie A’s tactical environment may also suit his style, potentially allowing him to rediscover consistency and confidence.
However, any move would need to align with United’s broader plans for the player, particularly if the club still views him as a key part of their long-term project.
Negotiations Set to Continue
At this stage, no final agreement has been reached. Talks between AS Roma and Manchester United are expected to continue in the coming days, with both clubs holding firm positions.
Roma remain hopeful that a compromise can be found, possibly through adjusted terms or additional guarantees that could ease United’s concerns. Meanwhile, United are unlikely to rush a decision unless they secure adequate cover in the transfer market.
A Transfer Saga to Watch This Winter
As the January transfer window approaches, the Joshua Zirkzee situation is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing stories to follow. Roma’s decisive move to send their sporting director to England highlights their determination, while United’s reluctance underscores the complexities involved.
Whether the deal ultimately goes through may depend on United’s ability to reinforce their own squad—or Roma’s willingness to improve their offer. For now, Zirkzee’s future remains uncertain, but all signs point to intense negotiations in the weeks ahead.
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