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Zirkzee stands at centre of Roma’s January rethink

Roma’s January planning, as outlined by Il Messaggero, reads less like routine mid season maintenance and more like a full scale recalibration. At the heart of it sits Joshua Zirkzee, a striker whose name has become shorthand for ambition, complexity and the limits of financial reality. Roma want him. Manchester United are resisting. Somewhere between those two positions lies a deal that could define the window.

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Gian Piero Gasperini’s public language has shifted noticeably. The coach who once downplayed expectations has now been explicit. “In January, we need to seize the opportunity to strengthen” and “Massara has known my thinking for months.” Those are not throwaway lines. They frame a strategy that places Zirkzee and Giacomo Raspadori at the centre of an attacking revolution, with departures accepted as collateral.

The clearest signal came with Evan Ferguson. His blunt dismissal, “I’m not convinced, between him and Dybala, even as a centre-forward, Paulo is my life”, confirmed that sentimentality has no place here. Roma are prepared to end loans, move on established names like Bailey if possible, and even consider late exits for Dovbyk. Zirkzee represents the new reference point.

Zirkzee deal tests Roma finances and resolve

Roma’s proposal to Manchester United shows both imagination and constraint. A €5 million loan, €30 million payable in June, plus bonuses tied to Champions League qualification. In effect, a €40 million package that stops short of the €50 million initially requested, but which acknowledges the reality of United’s own outlay, €42 million to Bologna and almost €18 million in additional costs.

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From Roma’s perspective, this is as far as the stretch goes. The club is operating under firm financial guardrails, with UEFA regulations never far from view. Il Messaggero describe a deliberate choice, one major investment and then progression through loans with options to buy, the traditional Italian compromise.

The problem, as ever, is the counterparty. When negotiating with Manchester United or Atlético Madrid, “loan with option” carries less persuasive power. Ruben Amorim has little incentive to cooperate early. Already without Mbeumo and Diallo due to the Africa Cup of Nations, he “doesn’t intend to release the Dutchman before mid-January.” That delay matters. Gasperini wants at least one new arrival quickly, and Zirkzee may not be that first piece.

Raspadori alternative shapes January urgency

This is where Raspadori enters as both target and pressure valve. Roma’s approach here is more nuanced. A €20 million loan with an option to buy that becomes mandatory under certain conditions, Champions League qualification, goals, appearances. It is clever accounting and risk management, spreading cost across time and performance.

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New contacts have been made, although Atlético Madrid remain alert to better offers. Lazio’s interest appears muted, not least after Maurizio Sarri’s withering line, “Transfer market? Just smoke signals from the club.” Roma sense opportunity, but nothing guaranteed.

The plan is sequential. Secure the attack first, then address defence. Gasperini wants experience at centre back, not development. Axel Disasi’s profile appeals, a 1998 born defender available on loan, with Chelsea potentially covering part of his salary. Milan are ahead, but Roma remain attentive.

Il Messaggero describe a final week that could yet include a Dovbyk Beto swap and a loan for Pisilli. All of it adds up to a window built around Zirkzee, even if he arrives late or not at all.

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This report underlines why Zirkzee’s situation feels unresolved rather than settled. There is recognition of his talent, his link play, his intelligence, but also an acceptance that his role under Amorim is not yet fixed. That is precisely why Roma’s interest is uncomfortable.

The proposed structure makes sense for Roma, but less so for United. A loan now weakens depth at a time when Mbeumo and Diallo are away, and the summer payment still leaves United short of full cost recovery. Fans will ask why a player signed so recently should be moved on before being properly integrated.

There is also a sense that Zirkzee’s value could rise with patience. Sitting him against Aston Villa raised eyebrows, but rotation does not equal rejection. Letting him go in January risks repeating old mistakes, selling before clarity.

That said, supporters understand the financial logic. If United need flexibility later in the window, Roma’s offer may become more attractive. For now, the feeling is simple. Zirkzee deserves a clearer run in red before any decision is taken.