AS Roma are continuing their efforts to strengthen their attacking options during the January transfer window, with Manchester United striker Joshua Zirkzee and Atletico Madrid forward Giacomo Raspadori emerging as the club’s primary targets. However, Roma’s pursuit of the Dutch international could become increasingly complex due to the turbulent situation currently unfolding at Old Trafford.
Roma’s need for a reliable goalscorer has become one of the defining storylines of their season. Injuries, inconsistent finishing, and a lack of depth in the final third have forced the club’s hierarchy to prioritize attacking reinforcements as they look to revive their campaign in the second half of the season.
While both Zirkzee and Raspadori remain high on Roma’s shortlist, recent developments at Manchester United threaten to delay—or even derail—any potential deal involving the former Bologna striker.
Manchester United Turmoil Impacts Zirkzee’s Future
According to renowned transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Joshua Zirkzee’s immediate future is closely tied to the internal uncertainty at Manchester United. The Premier League club sent shockwaves through European football after deciding to part ways with head coach Ruben Amorim, a move that has effectively frozen several ongoing and potential transfer operations.
United’s decision to dismiss Amorim has created a state of limbo within the club, with recruitment plans temporarily placed on hold until a new managerial structure is clarified. As a result, outgoing transfers—including Zirkzee’s possible move to Serie A—have become far more complicated.
Zirkzee, who joined Manchester United amid high expectations, has struggled to cement a consistent role in the squad. Despite showing flashes of his technical ability and link-up play, the Dutch striker has found minutes hard to come by, fueling speculation about a January exit. AS Roma had identified him as an ideal profile to complement their attacking system, but the instability at United now represents a major obstacle.
Roma Yet to Make a January Signing
Despite the urgency of their situation, AS Roma have yet to complete a single signing in the winter transfer window. This lack of activity has not gone unnoticed, particularly given the injury crisis that has plagued the squad and the team’s ongoing struggles in front of goal.
Media scrutiny has intensified in recent weeks, with supporters and analysts questioning Roma’s ability to remain competitive without reinforcements. The club currently faces a demanding schedule across domestic competitions, and expectations remain high following the appointment of Gian Piero Gasperini as head coach.
Roma’s sporting director, Frederic Massara, has reportedly been working behind the scenes for several weeks to strengthen the squad. His primary focus has been to add firepower to the attacking line, an area widely regarded as the team’s most pressing weakness.
Zirkzee and Raspadori Lead Roma’s Shortlist
Joshua Zirkzee and Giacomo Raspadori are understood to be central figures in Roma’s long-term technical project. Both players offer different qualities but share traits that align with Gasperini’s tactical philosophy, including mobility, intelligence off the ball, and the ability to contribute to build-up play.
Zirkzee’s physical presence and technical finesse make him an attractive option for Serie A, where he previously impressed during his time at Bologna. Meanwhile, Raspadori’s versatility and experience in Italian football have long made him a reliable attacking option, capable of playing across the front line.
Despite Roma’s strong interest, negotiations for both players have yet to yield tangible progress. Financial considerations, squad balance issues, and the stances of the selling clubs have all contributed to the ongoing delay.
Key Meeting with the Friedkin Ownership
In an effort to break the deadlock, Italian journalist Alfredo Pedullà reports that a crucial meeting is currently taking place between Roma’s senior management and the club’s owners, the Friedkin family. Frederic Massara is said to be representing the sporting department in discussions aimed at unlocking Roma’s January transfer strategy.
The meeting is expected to focus on identifying a final solution that would allow Roma to move decisively in the market. Central to the talks are budget allocations, transfer structures—such as loans with options to buy—and the level of investment required to support Gasperini’s ambitions.
The Friedkin family remains committed to Roma’s long-term project, but they are also known for their careful financial planning. Finding the right balance between competitiveness and sustainability will be key if Roma are to complete at least one major attacking signing before the transfer window closes.
A Crucial January for Roma’s Season
With the second half of the season approaching, Roma’s transfer decisions in January could have a defining impact on their campaign. Failure to reinforce the squad may leave Gasperini short of options, while a successful move for Zirkzee or Raspadori could inject renewed confidence into the team.
For now, uncertainty continues to surround Joshua Zirkzee’s future, largely due to Manchester United’s internal restructuring. As Roma wait for clarity from England, time is ticking, and pressure is mounting on the club’s hierarchy to deliver.
The coming days are expected to be decisive, not only for Roma’s transfer window but also for their hopes of achieving their seasonal objectives.
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