Roma to activate Malen’s buy option, drop Zirkzee ahead of summer

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RomaPress

·22 February 2026

Long-watched during the January transfer window, Joshua Zirkzee’s future will remain up in the air until next summer.

The former Bologna player remains intent on leaving Manchester this summer, after his transfer fell through.

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Next season, barring unforeseen circumstances, he will not play for either the Red Devils or Roma.

As reported by Fabrizio Romano, the Giallorossi are intent on signing Donyell Malen.

Malen has scored five goals in his first five games with Roma, with many more to come.

His future lies with the Giallorossi: the Roman club intends to acquire him permanently this summer.

Having arrived on a €2 million loan from Aston Villa, Roma will have to pay €25 million to the English club to exercise his right to buy.