Gasperini pushes for Man Utd forward Zirkzee & approves Roma Giovane pursuit | OneFootball

Almost a month ago, back on November 16, we told you something very clear: for Gian Piero Gasperini, the perfect signing for the January window is Joshua Zirkzee.

Not a narrow preference, but by far ahead of every other name offered or monitored, Yuri Alberto included. The Dutch forward, now at Manchester United, has exactly the kind of profile Gasperini wants, versatile, tactically intelligent, and seemingly built for his football.

Joshua Zirkzee of Manchester United gestures during the warm up prior to the Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Manchester United FC at Anfield on January 05, 2025 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)

And over the last few days, nothing has changed. Gasperini has pushed back on alternative options and remains perfectly aligned with the message he set out in August: he wants ready-made, functional players, not youngsters who still need development.

Roma dream of Zirkzee as Gasperini gives Giovane thumbs up

At this stage of the season there’s no time for adaptation periods. If the right profile isn’t available, he would genuinely prefer to make no signing at all.

Now it will be up to the Friedkins to unlock the situation without letting it drag on. Zirkzee is not untouchable, even if Amorim has used him more recently, but it would take a proper investment in the fee and a convincing formula to avoid long negotiations.

VERONA, ITALY – OCTOBER 26: Giovane of Hellas Verona FC ia during the Serie A match between Hellas Verona FC and Cagliari Calcio at Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi on October 26, 2025 in Verona, Italy. (Photo by Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Getty Images)

And then there’s Giovane. As we told you on November 13, Gasperini is a big admirer. The midfielder is growing rapidly at Verona and is being tracked closely by both Inter and Napoli.

Hellas are among the clubs most active for Baldanzi, but much will depend on Roma’s moves in the department that most urgently needs reinforcements.