United forward targeted by Italian giants | OneFootball

Juventus Keep Close Watch on Zirkzee as Vlahovic Replacement Talks Grow

Juventus Monitoring Zirkzee Situation

Juventus’ plans for their post-Dušan Vlahovic era have taken on a more international flavour, with Joshua Zirkzee emerging as a name of interest. According to TUTTOSPORT, the Dutch striker, currently enduring a difficult spell after joining Manchester United, is one of the forward options being actively monitored by the Bianconeri as they prepare to reshape their attack.

Photo: IMAGO

Zirkzee’s situation at Old Trafford is complex. “He has been part of the many figurines collected by Manchester United in recent years, and has unfortunately ended up in the cellar,” the report states. In other words, he has become a forgotten figure despite being a player of considerable talent. Current manager Ruben Amorim is not thought to be particularly convinced, which could make a January or summer exit a possibility.

Juventus’ Need for Fresh Options

Juventus are facing a critical period in which they will need to replace Vlahovic, who looks likely to leave next summer. The club are determined to find a striker who can provide a different dimension to Igor Tudor’s attack. Zirkzee, with his technical skill set and ability to play as a roaming forward, is seen as a player who could offer something unique compared with the more traditional No 9 profile.

Photo IMAGO

The Turin side are also keeping an eye on the broader market, with Gianluca Scamacca, Santiago Castro and Matteo Pellegrino all under consideration. But Zirkzee represents a fascinating option given his age, ceiling for development and the potential to strike a favourable deal if his situation at United continues to stagnate.

Why Zirkzee Appeals to Juventus

What makes Zirkzee particularly attractive is his ability to drop deep, link play and create overloads in midfield. Juventus are believed to be seeking a forward who can help modernise their attacking structure rather than simply act as a penalty-box finisher. “Finding an identikit that is not similar to other components of Tudor’s attack would be very helpful,” TUTTOSPORT writes, underlining the desire for diversity in their frontline options.

Photo IMAGO

At 23, Zirkzee still has room to grow, and Juventus might see an opportunity to buy low and develop him into a long-term solution. Given the failures of many attackers at Old Trafford in recent years, Turin could represent a chance for him to reset his career and thrive in a system more suited to his style.

Wider Forward Market Still Active

Juventus’ shortlist does not stop with Zirkzee. Their scouting network remains active in Ligue 1, where Gonçalo Ramos of PSG, Emanuel Emegha of Strasbourg and George Ilenikhena of Monaco are all being tracked. The inclusion of Zirkzee alongside these names shows Juventus’ willingness to explore different markets to find the right profile, whether immediately in January or next summer.

The coming months will be crucial in determining whether Zirkzee can revive his trajectory and convince Juventus to make him a cornerstone of their rebuild.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

This report will spark debate. Zirkzee was brought in with the hope of becoming a long-term forward solution, yet it already feels as though he is being pushed to the fringes. Hearing that Juventus are admirers is no surprise, they have a history of taking talented players who have struggled in England and giving them a platform to shine.

For United fans, the concern is whether the club would be too quick to give up on a player who has shown flashes of technical brilliance and intelligence. Selling him prematurely could be a mistake if he develops into the player many expected when he was signed.

On the other hand, if Amorim does not see Zirkzee as part of his tactical plans, moving him on could free up resources for a striker more suited to his approach. The key is that United must not repeat past mistakes where players were let go only to thrive elsewhere. Juventus, meanwhile, appear ready to offer Zirkzee the environment and patience he may need to rediscover his confidence.