Roma’s Gasperini wish list is Zirkzee first, then Yuri Alberto and Raspadori | OneFootball

Gian Piero Gasperini has a wish list for the Roma attack and it’s in a clear order, with Joshua Zirkzee first, Yuri Alberto second, and Giacomo Raspadori only third.

The Giallorossi know they need to secure some reinforcements over the January transfer window and their recent results show the need for a reliable centre-forward, even if it is an atypical one.

Gasperini will be heavily involved in the selection process and Zirkzee is at the top of his list.

The Manchester United outcast is considered to be a centre-forward, with Raspadori as a support striker who can also play in a wider role.

Why Zirkzee is the hot favourite for Roma

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 30: Joshua Zirkzee of Manchester United looks on during the Carabao Cup Fourth Round match between Manchester United and Leicester City at Old Trafford on October 30, 2024 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

The former Napoli player had been appreciated by Gasperini when still in charge of Atalanta, although that was to play off centre.

So the coach would gladly bring both in, but if that is not possible, then his pick would be Zirkzee.

Now it is up to director Frederic Massara to push Manchester United into getting a deal done quickly, not waiting until mid or late January.

It is also true that Gasperini would like Yuri Alberto, but he is seen as an alternative to Zirkzee, while Beto is mentioned largely because both Everton and Roma have the same owners.

This isn’t a priority, and would only be pursued if Artem Dovbyk were to move on.

MADRID, SPAIN – SEPTEMBER 30: Giacomo Raspadori of Atletico de Madrid celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD2 match between Atletico de Madrid and Eintracht Frankfurt at Estadio Metropolitano on September 30, 2025 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

It is confirmed that Gasp also likes Giovane of Hellas Verona, who is on the wish list of Inter and Napoli already.

Raspadori is seeking a new club, seeing as he never got much playing time with Atletico Madrid, so it’d be ideal for Roma if Tommaso Baldanzi (liked by Verona) or Stephan El Shaarawy were to make way.

Jack knows that Maurizio Sarri is an admirer and would gladly take him to Lazio as a centre-forward, but a lot depends on Taty Castellanos.