Juventus’s interest in Zirkzee
Juventus are reportedly in discussions with Manchester United regarding a potential loan transfer for striker Joshua Zirkzee. The Italian club is exploring options that include an initial loan with an option to buy, a structure that aligns with their financial considerations for new signings. Zirkzee’s current net salary of €3.5 million per season is understood to fit within Juventus’s financial parameters.
Zirkzee, who previously played for Bologna, is valued at approximately €30-35 million. Juventus are seeking to strengthen their attacking line and are considering multiple targets, with Zirkzee being a prominent option. The club aims to secure attacking reinforcements swiftly, especially with upcoming fixtures in China and Australia.
Reports indicate that Juventus’s sporting director, Frederic Massara, is keen on building a squad capable of competing for a Champions League spot. Massara previously attempted to sign Zirkzee for Roma in January, but the move did not materialise due to Manchester United’s insistence on an obligation to buy.
Manchester United’s attacking plans
Zirkzee has featured in Manchester United’s recent pre-season friendlies against Wrexham and Rosenborg under Michael Carrick. He scored in the 5-0 victory over Rosenborg. Despite this, his time in England has been challenging, with 5 goals in 56 Premier League matches.
Manchester United invested significantly in their attack last summer, bringing in players such as Sesko, Matheus Cunha, and Mbeumo. This has reportedly limited Zirkzee’s opportunities to demonstrate his abilities. The English press suggests that Manchester United have not ruled out further additions to their attack, with Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins being a player of interest to Carrick, potentially for a fee of around £40 million, or approximately €45 million.
Should a move for Watkins proceed, it could further impact Zirkzee’s situation at Manchester United. The club’s willingness to consider Zirkzee’s departure on favourable terms, such as a loan with an option to buy, would be crucial for Juventus.
Dual striker strategy for Juventus
Juventus are pursuing a strategy to acquire two forwards, rather than just one, to provide manager Luciano Spalletti with diverse attacking options. While Randal Kolo Muani is considered an immediate priority, Zirkzee remains a live option, potentially as a complementary signing.
Discussions for Kolo Muani involve Paris Saint-Germain, with a reported valuation from PSG around £50 million. Juventus are attempting to structure a deal closer to £40 million, including bonuses, possibly as a loan with a conditional obligation to buy linked to European qualification. Kolo Muani is reportedly keen on the move and has turned down other offers.
The acquisition of both Kolo Muani and Zirkzee would offer Spalletti a blend of tactical strengths, with Kolo Muani providing pace and movement, and Zirkzee offering link-up play between midfield and attack. This dual approach reflects Juventus’s ambition to build a more complete attack before the transfer window closes at the end of August.
Zirkzee’s contract with Manchester United runs until June 2029. Juventus are keen to finalise their attacking reinforcements by next week, aiming to present Spalletti with their preferred options.
Source: goal.com
Arjun Sharma
Sports Reporter