Joshua Zirkzee U-turn forces AS Roma into drastic transfer rethink | OneFootball

AS Roma are reportedly considering alternative signings after Joshua Zirkzee’s most recent remarks regarding his Manchester United future.

Zirkzee enjoying more playing time

Zirkzee has seen a sharp increase in minutes over the last two matches, stepping up in the absence of the injured Benjamin Sesko and Matheus Cunha.

He started in United’s last two fixtures vs. Everton and Crystal Palace. Zirkzee scored against Palace at Selhurst Park, drawing the Red Devils level after they had fallen behind to a Jean-Philippe Mateta penalty strike.

Zirkzee took his goal well, expertly controlling a delivery from Bruno Fernandes and shielding the ball before firing into the back of the net from an extremely tight angle.

The Dutchman endured a tough start to the 2025/26 campaign, with minutes proving very hard to come by. Eager to break into the Netherlands squad ahead of next summer’s World Cup, it emerged that Zirkzee was open to leaving United during the winter window.

Roma emerged as the favourites to sign him. Gian Piero Gasperini is believed to be an admirer of the forward, having unsuccessfully tried to snap him up while in charge at Atalanta.

A report covered by The Peoples Person relayed that Zirkzee had also picked Roma as his preferred transfer destination ahead of the likes of Everton, West Ham and Sevilla.

There were even suggestions that Roma were preparing to make a definitive swoop for the 24-year-old.

However, according to Il Messaggero, Zirkzee’s assertion that he is happy at Old Trafford is seen as a big blow to Roma’s hopes of landing him.

As such, the Serie A giants have started looking at alternative targets.

Roma make Zirkzee decision

After the final whistle vs. Palace, Zirkzee said that he is happy at United.

Il Messaggero [via SportWitness] say that Zirkzee is Roma’s “number one target.” It’s understood that Roma sporting director Frederic Massara has been trying to get a deal over the line.

However, following Zirkzee’s recent statement, which is seen as negative, Roma have activated contingency plans to ensure they don’t miss out on a striker.

Roma have now shifted attention to Tottenham Hotspur star Mathys Tel, who is struggling for opportunities in North London under Thomas Frank.

Tel is viewed as easier to sign compared to Zirkzee.

Featured image Julian Finney via Getty Images

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