AS Roma are now ‘advancing in talks’ with Joshua Zirkzee in hopes of adding him to their ranks ‘as soon as possible’.
That’s according to Fabrizio Romano, who adds that the Serie A outfit are pulling out all the stops to try and agree personal terms, having made Zirkzee their ‘top target’ for the January window.
The deal ultimately depends on whether Manchester United will allow him to leave mid-season, though, as Ruben Amorim is navigating a growing absentee list.
Zirkzee’s departure could leave Amorim’s options too depleted
Not only is the head coach without Amad Diallo, Bryan Mbeumo and Noussair Mazraoui whilst the African Cup of Nations plays out, but Kobbie Mainoo was ruled out of last night’s game at Villa Park, and Bruno Fernandes sustained a hamstring injury that led to him being withdrawn at half-time.
Post-match, Amorim confirmed the two midfielders are expected to be unavailable for the visit of Newcastle United on Boxing Day.
Alas, you’d imagine he’ll be wanting to keep as many players at his disposal as possible until the fixture list quietens down.
Zirkzee, on the other hand, is said to be keen to secure increased game time for the second half of the campaign, even if that means in a new environment.
Zirkzee back to navigating a heavily reduced role under Amorim
Although he was granted three successive starts when Benjamin Sesko and Matheus Cunha were sidelined, he has since reverted back to his reduced role, having dropped to the bench for the last three outings.
The Dutch international featured for just six minutes in the win over Wolverhampton Wanderers, one minute in the draw to Bournemouth a week ago and for six minutes in last night’s defeat to Aston Villa.
When Amorim opted to replace Fernandes with centre-half Lisandro Martinez at half-time of the clash, Gary Neville noted that Zirkzee didn’t ‘look too happy’ with the decision.
He was then only called upon when United were trailing 2-1 and struggling to get back into the game.
The 24-year-old arrived at Old Trafford in the summer of 2024 in a £36.5 million deal and is contracted to the club until 2029.
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