Roma Table €40m Joshua Zirkzee Deal As Manchester United Weigh Up Offer
The striker could leave Old Trafford in January - but there is a stumbling block.
Roma have tabled a significant loan package for Manchester United striker Joshua Zirkzee.
Roma’s Joshua Zirkzee Offer Revealed
Zirkzee is held in high regard in Italy and is a priority target for the Giallorossi. FootItalia reported earlier this month that the Friedkin ownership gave the green light to begin negotiations.
The forward, who arrived at Old Trafford from Bologna in 2024 in a £36.5million deal, has not been able to establish himself at United. As a result, a departure in January is now on the cards.
Talks look to have advanced in recent days and a package totalling €40m has now been tabled.
According to Il Messaggero, the bid consists of a €5m loan fee and an option to buy for €30m. A further €5m in bonuses would go to United if Roma qualify for the Champions League this season.
Zirkzee has played just 364 minutes in the Premier League in 2025-26, scoring one goal.
He came on in the closing stages of the 2-1 defeat by Aston Villa on Sunday night, with Gary Neville claiming he didn’t ‘look too happy’ after Lisandro Martinez was brought on ahead of him at half-time.
The 24-year-old has been reduced to bit-part cameos under Ruben Amorim, playing one minute against Bournemouth and six against Wolves. A switch to Roma would certainly represent a timely escape route.
The full €40m is close to United’s reported asking price of €50m, but a gap remains between both clubs.
Man United May Block Joshua Zirkzee Move
United will be without Amad Diallo, Bryan Mbeumo and Noussair Mazraoui during the Africa Cup of Nations. Adding to Amorim’s headache, Bruno Fernandes and Kobbie Mainoo are also ruled out through injury.
Youngsters Jack Fletcher and Shea Lacey cameoed at Villa Park, and United may be reluctant to allow Zirkzee, the only recognised centre-forward alongside Benjamin Sesko, to leave while their options are severely depleted.
Sky Sports reported earlier this month that the Dutchman also wanted to stay at United to fight for his place, although it remains to be seen whether his limited game time in recent weeks leads him to soften his stance.
Regardless, Ruud Gullit wants Zirkzee back in Italy, believing he should have never left in the first place.
Fabrizio Romano Issues Joshua Zirkzee Update
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Roma hope to sign Zirkzee ‘as soon as possible’.
🚨🟡🔴 AS Roma are advancing in talks with Joshua Zirkzee on personal terms as top target for January.
Deal still depends on #MUFC decision as Roma want Zirkzee as soon as possible…
…but Man United have several players out for injury/AFCON.
🎥🇮🇹 https://t.co/ru24DebZjd pic.twitter.com/skWeWux1SI
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) December 21, 2025
He wrote on X: “AS Roma are advancing in talks with Joshua Zirkzee on personal terms as top target for January.
“Deal still depends on #MUFC decision as Roma want Zirkzee as soon as possible… but Man United have several players out for injury/AFCON.”
Dan Davis
Dan is an experienced sports journalist and part-time lecturer. An expert on Serie A and Italian football, he has produced content for the likes of the Daily Mail, Reach PLC, GiveMeSport, FourFourTwo and GRV Media. While Channel 4's iconic Football Italia was a bit before his time, the nostalgia - and pastries - fuelled his love of all things Calcio.
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