Joshua Zirkzee may not be heading to Italian giants as they look in a different direction to Manchester United for attacking reinforcements in the January transfer window
Manchester United invested heavily in the summer of 2025, strengthening their attacking line by bringing in Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko to bring the star-power back to United’s front line.
The same transfer window also saw many attacking exits as Alejandro Garnacho, Marcus Rashford, Rasmus Hojlund and Antony all departed from Old Trafford in attempts to re-light their careers.
A combination of injuries and shortness of depth has seen Joshua Zirkzee start consecutive games in the Premier League, marking his first two starts of the season.
The Dutchman notably scored the crucial equaliser in United’s most recent fixture as Ruben Amorim’s side beat a strong Crystal Palace in a tight 2-1 comeback at Selhurst Park. This goal was a much-needed confidence booster for the 24-year-old, who hasn’t necessarily hit the ground running for the Red Devils.
Amid the celebrations of Zirkzee’s good performance, interest over a potential move for the striker has steered into another direction as a certain Serie A side look elsewhere to improve their attack.
Roma turn interest away from Zirkzee to look at Tel
As Il Messaggero reports, Italian giants Roma, are looking towards a swoop for Tottenham Hotspur youngster Mathys Tel as an alternative to Zirkzee.
Zirkzee’s performance against Palace on Sunday may have convinced Amorim that the Dutch striker can be a valuable asset to the squad, especially when United are short of attacking options, which would be a significant boost for the club.
United are set to lose Amad and Mbeumo to the African Cup of Nations for a month, both of whom have been key figures in Amorim’s sides. Additionally, injuries to both Sesko and Cunha are affecting the team.
Roma are pivoting their interest towards Spurs forward Mathys Tel, who has not had the start to his career in North London that he would have wanted, to provide them with the attacking lifeline they desire.
The Frenchman scored against United in the Champions League for his former club, Bayern Munich, but this season, for Spurs, he has scored just two goals in 12 appearances.
Roma were prioritising a move for Zirkzee for an initial loan agreement, but with Zirkzee showing such a positive reaction to the three points in London, there are doubts over whether the forward would be willing to leave so soon.
Zirkzee delighted with ending his goal drought
When speaking to TNT Sports after the victory against Palace, Zirkzee could not hide his relief and enjoyment with his ability to bounce back despite doubters and criticism.
He stated, “A great feeling, you know, it’s always a good feeling to score, but most importantly, it got us back into the game. It was all about the three points today, just very happy that we got them, very important.”
When asked about the pressures of wearing a United shirt up front, Zirkzee said, “It’s one of the biggest clubs in the world, and you have to perform, so if you don’t score for a long time, then it can get to you.
“But I’m surrounded by great players, great people, and we help each other every day, and they made it quite easy for me.”
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“Today is just a reward, I think, for patience, hard work and trying to be consistent, and I’m just thankful to the manager as well, staff, everyone. A good environment.”
United were open to offers for Zirkzee, but with Roma seeming less interested, there is less certainty around a potential destination for the striker in January.
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