Joshua Zirkzee: AS Roma line up alternative deal as two conditions threaten to scupper loan transfer | OneFootball

AS Roma have reportedly identified Tottenham Hotspur forward Mathys Tel as an alternative target if their efforts to capture Manchester United’s Joshua Zirkzee fail.

Roma want Zirkzee

Roma are believed to be exploring the possibility of signing Zirkzee on loan during the January transfer window.

Zirkzee has struggled for first-team minutes under Ruben Amorim this season and there is a very good chance that he could leave as he eyes a spot in the Netherlands squad ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

The likes of Everton and West Ham are interested in him but he has made it clear that Roma are his preferred transfer destination.

It’s understood that Roma have already held preliminary talks with United regarding a potential deal. Gian Piero Gasperini is a big admirer of the forward and Zirkzee is also keen to work with the Italian coach, who wanted him while in charge at Atalanta.

Gazzetta dello Sport have given an update on the situation, indicating that two key details of the transfer remain unresolved, and if those issues aren’t sorted out soon, Zirkzee’s proposed move to the Stadio Olimpico could fall through.

Roma are prepared for this eventuality, hence they’ve lined up a swoop for Tel.

Zirkzee to Roma update

According to Gds, United are eager for any loan deal to include an option or obligation for Roma to buy Zirkzee at the end of the campaign.

The 20-time English champions value Zirkzee at €35m, which is slightly less than the €41.5m they paid to sign him from Bologna.

The second condition is that Roma want to cover only half of Zirkzee’s wages. United would ideally want his full salary to be covered by the Serie A giants. Roma want the issue to be resolved early in January. They have no desire to let talks drag on, which explains why they’re also looking at Tel.

It remains to be seen whether an agreement can be found. For now, Zirkzee’s focus will be on breaking into the team. He now has a real opportunity to do so with Benjamin Sesko set to be sidelined for a few weeks with a knee injury.

United are next in action next Tuesday when they host Everton.

Featured image Carl Recine via Getty Images

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