Joshua Zirkzee picks his Serie A side as Juventus and Napoli slug it out | OneFootball

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Manchester United forward Joshua Zirkzee reportedly favours Juventus as the Italian club competes with Napoli for his signature, according to Area Napoli.

Zirkzee has struggled to establish himself as a first team regular at Old Trafford since his move from Bologna two summers ago. Whether in Ruben Amorim’s 3-4-3 or Michael Carrick’s 4-2-3-1, he has found himself a square peg in a round hole for much of his United career to date.

The Italian outlet claims United have opened the door to allowing Zirkzee to leave on loan with an option to buy.

However, the report does not suggest that an agreement has been reached between the Red Devils, the player or either interested club.

Juventus identify Zirkzee as attacking target

Juventus are searching for reinforcements to strengthen the squad available to head coach Luciano Spalletti. According to the report, Giovanni Carnevali and Frederic Massara have identified central midfield and attack as the two priority areas requiring additions.

Franck Kessie is said to be the principal name under consideration for midfield, while Zirkzee is reportedly wanted to bolster the forward line.

Before advancing with those proposed incoming deals, however, the Turin club reportedly need to complete departures from their existing squad.

Area Napoli identifies Jonathan David as one player who may have to leave before Juventus can make a serious move for Zirkzee.

Napoli provide competition for United forward

As previously reported, Juventus are not believed to be alone in their pursuit, with the report naming Massimiliano Allegri’s Napoli as another interested party.

Area Napoli claims Zirkzee wants to leave Manchester United to return to Serie A, although no direct comments from the player are included in the report.

The same source alleges that the former Bologna forward would prefer a move to Juventus over joining Napoli.

That stated preference could give Juventus an advantage if formal negotiations develop.

Possible structure of a deal

United are claimed to be willing to discuss a temporary departure containing an option for the purchasing club to make the transfer permanent.

The report also admits that there is considerable room for negotiation over whether that purchase clause could instead become an obligation, which would almost certainly be United’s preference. Indeed, given the lack of strikers at Old Trafford, they would almost certainly prefer a permanent deal now so they have funds to buy a replacement backup for Ben Sesko.

Meanwhile, Zirkzee’s future remains unresolved despite his reported preference for the Turin club.

The Peoples Person Reliability Assessment

Overall credibility: 6/10

Why?

The report might well be right that Zirkzee prefers Juve over Napoli, but a deal remains far from done with either club.