Joshua Zirkzee’s dream summer move under threat as European giants close in on alternative – Ben Jacobs | OneFootball

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It will be interesting to see where Joshua Zirkzee plays his football for the remainder of this season.

Fiorentina snubbed, Juventus favoured

On Saturday morning, the suggestion was that he would join Fiorentina on a season-long loan, with the Viola having submitted their proposal.

However, by Sunday evening, reports emerged that Zirkzee had turned down Fiorentina, holding out for Juventus instead.

Today, reports confirmed Juventus had sent their loan proposal, though their option-to-buy figure reportedly falls short of what INEOS are willing to sanction for an exit. Still, the two sides remain in discussions.

While we await a compromise, a surprising transfer development has emerged.

Zirkzee to Juventus in jeopardy, Woltemade the villain

Ben Jacobs reports:

“Juventus in advanced talks with Newcastle to loan Nick Woltemade.

“The Newcastle striker is open to the move.

“Joshua Zirkzee the other name considered by Juventus, who need a striker because Jonathan David is set to join Atletico Madrid.”

One out, one in

Juventus have chased Zirkzee all summer, yet they could not sign him unless Jonathan David left first. That clearly suggested the Old Lady would only sign one striker, and only once they moved the Canadian hitman on.

Therefore, it is likely to be either Woltemade or Zirkzee, not both, making the move to Turin.

Strangely, Juventus are trying to strike a deal for Woltemade when they have chased Zirkzee all summer, which suggests he was their top target.

By opening talks with Newcastle, Juventus may simply be trying to pressure INEOS into agreeing to their proposal over Zirkzee.

Whether that tactic pays off remains to be seen. What is certain, though, is that Zirkzee to Juventus is in doubt, and Zirkzee could yet end up staying in Manchester.

The Peoples Person Reliability Assessment

Overall credibility: 9/10 Why?

✅ Reported by a reputable source for Premier League transfer news

✅ Woltemade, like Zirkzee, has been widely tipped to move by credible sources

We believe Zirkzee remains Juventus’ top target after a summer-long chase. The Woltemade approach looks like a tactic to pressure United into accepting their terms.