Roma market, Joshua Zirkzee sees Giallorossi but no shortage of obstacles
Roma has now identified Joshua Zirkzee as the ideal reinforcement to complete Gian Piero Gasperini’s offensive department. The Dutch striker from Manchester United, formerly of Bologna, has become the first target for January, thanks to the club’s desire to add quality, creativity and depth to an attack that needs a profile capable of tying up the game and guaranteeing different solutions to the current center-backs, Ferguson and Dovbyk, who so far have not convinced the Grugliasco coach.
The liking of the player, who has already opened to the Giallorossi’s destination, has accelerated contacts in recent weeks, bringing negotiations to an advanced level before the Christmas break, but the path to white smoke is not without obstacles. Indeed, Ruben Amorim’s words on the sidelines of the Red Devils’ victory over Newcastle have cooled Roma’s optimism, suggesting that United will not release Zirkzee without first finding a replacement. The Portuguese coach spoke of a numerically short squad and the need not to further weaken the group at a delicate time of the season.
The Portuguese coach’s stance does not necessarily close the door on a transfer, but it could lengthen the timetable and force Roma to wait longer than expected. The agreement in principle with the player however is there, as is the economic understanding between the clubs, based on a loan with right of redemption between 38 and 40 million, destined to become an obligation in case of qualification for the next Champions League. The return to Manchester United of Amad Diallo and Mbeumo from the African Cup of Nations should finally unblock the situation by mid-January.
At the same time, Roma continues to move on other fronts as well. Raspadori remains a concrete target, with the management committed to convincing Atletico Madrid of a loan with right of redemption. On the exit front, however, the Dovbyk situation remains open, followed by Betis, which has proposed technical quid pro quos to lower the cost of the operation. Roma, however, does not intend to sell off a player bought at a high price just a year and a half ago.
In this complex scenario, however, Zirkzee’s arrival remains the top priority. The player has given his yes, Roma has built a solid offer, and Manchester United may soften its stance in the coming days. If all the pieces fall into place, the Dutch striker will be the first big hit of the Giallorossi winter market.
