AS Roma have officially opened negotiations with Manchester United to sign Dutch striker Joshua Zirkzee, according to Gazzetta dello Sport.
The initialization of the talks follows approval from the Friedkin ownership, aiming to strengthen coach Gian Piero Gasperini’s attack amid poor recent performances and the likely departure of Evan Ferguson. Sporting director Ricky Massara is expected to travel to Manchester to advance talks, as United are willing to sell Zirkzee.
The Netherlands international, formerly at Bologna, is enthusiastic about returning to Serie A and working under Gasperini, who has long admired him.
Roma’s challenge at this point is meeting United’s demand: a loan with an obligation to buy for €35million. The Serie A club hope to tie this obligation to Champions League qualification and slightly reduce the fee.
Gasperini has prioritized Zirkzee over other targets like Raspadori or Fabio Silva, valuing his technical skills and pressing ability—traits he showcased in Italy, where he averaged four dribbles per game with a 50% success rate.
Roma’s aim is to close the deal quickly to resolve their urgent scoring issues.
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