Manchester United forward Joshua Zirkzee is in advanced talks over a season-long loan to Juventus with an option to buy, as the Italian club turn to the Dutch striker after failing to land Randal Kolo Muani.
According to The Sun, Juventus have made Zirkzee a primary attacking target for this summer, and negotiations between the clubs have progressed to an advanced stage.
The report says representatives of Zirkzee have given a positive response to Juventus’ proposal, and the 25-year-old is open to a move to Allianz Stadium.
Under the terms being discussed, Manchester United are prepared to sanction a loan deal that would include a purchase option set at £30m, despite paying around £36.5m to sign Zirkzee in 2024.
United officials are said to consider that valuation a fair reflection of his current market worth, after a season in which he struggled to establish himself as a regular starter.
United striker out of first-team picture
Zirkzee has slipped down the pecking order at Old Trafford, featuring in the Premier League starting XI just five times last season under coaches Ruben Amorim and Michael Carrick.
In total, he has scored nine goals in 75 appearances for Manchester United, a return that has contributed to the club’s willingness to listen to offers.
Despite his limited impact in England, the Netherlands international has attracted significant interest this summer from several clubs, but Juventus are now viewed as leading the race for his signature.
Juventus move on after Kolo Muani setback
Juventus had initially focused on signing France international Randal Kolo Muani from Paris Saint-Germain following his disappointing loan spell at Tottenham last season.
The Turin side were reportedly close to securing an agreement for the forward, but talks with PSG ultimately broke down over the transfer fee.
With negotiations stalling, Juventus quickly shifted their attention to Zirkzee as they continue to search for a new centre-forward to lead the line.
Zirkzee, who is familiar with Serie A after spending one season on loan at Parma and two seasons with Bologna, is understood to view a move back to Italy positively.
His previous experience in Italian football is seen as an advantage by Juventus, who are targeting a striker capable of adapting quickly to the demands of the league.
If the deal is completed, Zirkzee would join Juventus initially on loan, with the possibility of making the transfer permanent next summer should the club choose to activate the £30m option.
