Roma tracking various options in addition to Zirkzee | OneFootball

The defeat against Napoli exposed Roma’s offensive shortcomings, transforming the January transfer window from an opportunity to a real necessity.

Despite Gian Piero Gasperini saying he’s “not very confident” about the January transfer window, sporting director Frederic Massara is already working to bring in the necessary reinforcements.

The name at the top of the list remains Joshua Zirkzee. Having returned to scoring with Manchester United, the Dutchman is the Giallorossi management’s top pick, reinforced by the fact that the player himself “wants to join Roma.”

However, the road ahead is a tortuous one, as reported in Corriere dello Sport.

The main obstacles for Zirkzee are the high agent fees and United’s desire to cash in immediately on the transfer.

Roma is pushing for a loan-with-an-option option, which would become mandatory only if they qualify for the Champions League.

The situation is complicated by the fact that the Red Devils will also lose Diallo and Mbeumo to the Africa Cup of Nations, making offensive transfers more difficult. Massara, aware of the difficulties, has already prepared plan Bs.

The hottest alternatives are Kalimuendo of Nottingham Forest and Fabio Silva of Borussia Dortmund, both of whom were already explored at Trigoria but are now back in fashion, eager to play due to their limited playing time and potential opportunities to turn into reality.