Zirkzee to replace Evan Ferguson who is on the way out | OneFootball

Roma is preparing for a revamped attack, and the January transfer window looks set to be a heated one, with the Premier League at the center of negotiations.

According to Il Messaggero, sporting director Frederic Massara is managing two deals in parallel: on the one hand, the acceleration of the move for top target Joshua Zirkzee, and on the other, negotiations for the sale of Evan Ferguson to Brighton.

The Dutch striker has been a target of Trigoria since October, when his name emerged during the meeting between Gasperini, Massara, and Dan Friedkin.

The president has already given the green light to the deal, and the player is open to a return to Serie A. However, negotiations with Manchester United still face two crucial issues.

Roma would like the player on loan with an obligation to buy, conditional on qualification for the Champions League, but the €35 million asking price isn’t convincing the Giallorossi.

The fees charged by the agents and the timeline are also a factor.

The Red Devils must contend with the departures of Diallo and Mbeumo for the Africa Cup of Nations and are awaiting the return of the injured Sesko.

Once the latter is available, Zirkzee’s space will be further reduced, which could facilitate his departure at the end of January. Massara wants to resolve the matter quickly, while Gasperini wants the Dutchman as early as the first few days of the month.

The key to unlocking Zirkzee’s arrival and sparking the revolution is Evan Ferguson’s departure. Discussions with Brighton regarding the Irish striker’s early return are ongoing. The deal isn’t simple, as there are no clauses in his loan agreement that would allow for his early termination.

Therefore, the clubs are initiating new negotiations to send the Irishman back to England, who has so far failed to convince Gasperini. Ferguson’s departure would free up funds and a slot in attack, facilitating Zirkzee’s arrival, with Massara intent on laying the foundations for the offensive revolution that will be completed in the summer.