If Roma’s weeks-long pursuit of Manchester United winger Jadon Sancho this summer didn’t clue you in, allow me to state the obvious: Gian Piero Gasperini desperately wants to upgrade Roma’s attacking options. While Matíás Soulé’s significance to the Giallorossi becomes clearer each day, the young Argentine can only do so much.
With strikers Artem Dovbyk and Evan Ferguson struggling to make their mark and Paulo Dybala slowly rounding his way back into full fitness, Gasperini’s attack has ground to a halt,
managing a paltry seven goals through their first six matches. However, thanks to a stout defense (only two goals conceded), Gasperini’s group is tied with Napoli atop the Serie A table.
But with the goal-scoring margins as thin as they are, Roma’s success stands on a knife’s edge; relying on one-goal margins can only take you so far—Gasperini needs more attacking options, it’s as simple as that. While the recovering Leon Bailey may provide a boost for Roma’s attack, that hasn’t stopped the Giallorossi from seeking additional upgrades.
According to multiple sources in Italy, including the Gazzetta dello Sport, Roma are interested in Manchester United forward Joshua Zirkzee. The former Bayern Munich youth product first made a name for himself with Anderlecht, scoring 15 goals and providing seven assists during the 2021-2022 season. Zirkzee levelled up two years later, grabbing 11 goals and providing four assists during Bologna’s surprising run to the Champions League.
Thanks to those efforts, Zirkzee secured a €42.5 million transfer to Manchester United in July 2024. While Zirkzee played regularly for United during his first season, due to a combination of injuries and competition for playing time—not to mention the upcoming World Cup this summer—the 24-year-old Dutchman could be on the move this winter.
Despite his expensive transfer fee, Zirkzee’s $3.6 million salary shouldn’t be a barrier for Roma. With Zirkzee open to a loan move, this could be a perfect fit—Zirkzee would get a chance to shine, possibly paving the way for a trip to the World Cup this summer, while Roma would gain much-needed help in their quest to return to the Champions League.
