Joshua Zirkzee wanted by Juventus as Milan and Napoli wait

Joshua Zirkzee remains Juventus' leading attacking target, but AC Milan and Napoli are reportedly waiting to move if the Italian giants fail to complete a deal with Manchester United.

Transfer journalist Gianluca Di Marzio reports that both Milan and Napoli are closely following the situation, potentially creating a three-club Serie A battle for the Netherlands international during the final stages of the transfer window.

Juventus have been pursuing Zirkzee for several weeks and remain in pole position to sign the 25-year-old.

Earlier reports from La Gazzetta dello Sport claimed Manchester United had given the green light for Zirkzee to leave Old Trafford, although no transfer has yet been completed.

Juventus are currently waiting for developments surrounding striker Jonathan David before making their next move for Zirkzee.

The proposed agreement would see the former Bologna forward return to Italy on an initial loan containing an option to buy.

Crucially, Zirkzee is also reported to have already reached an agreement with Juventus over a potential move, leaving negotiations between the clubs as the main issue to resolve.

Zirkzee joined United from Bologna in 2024 for more than €40m, but has struggled to establish himself as a guaranteed starter in Manchester.

Last season he featured in 24 Premier League matches and scored twice, with his opportunities limited during parts of the campaign.

The Dutchman has shown some encouraging signs during preparations for the new season, including scoring in a 1-1 friendly draw against Leeds United, but uncertainty over his long-term future remains.

United are in a comfortable contractual position. Zirkzee's current deal runs until summer 2029, with the club also holding an option to extend it by another year.

That means any departure will depend on United being satisfied with the structure and financial terms rather than pressure created by an expiring contract.

Juventus cannot afford to assume they have a clear run at Zirkzee.

Di Marzio reports that AC Milan and Napoli are both interested and monitoring developments in case the Turin club fail to complete the transfer.

Napoli are said to have already made enquiries about the striker, suggesting their interest has moved beyond simply monitoring his situation.

Zirkzee's previous success in Serie A with Bologna makes him a familiar option for all three Italian clubs, while a return to Italy could provide the regular football he has not consistently received at Manchester United.

Juventus remain at the front of the queue, but their need to resolve the Jonathan David situation could provide their rivals with an opportunity.

Juventus' next move is expected to depend on how the situation surrounding Jonathan David develops. Once that is resolved, they can determine whether to proceed with their proposed Zirkzee deal.

Any further delay could encourage Milan or Napoli to become more aggressive. With Napoli already making enquiries, Juventus may need to act quickly if they want to prevent a rival from taking advantage.

Would Joshua Zirkzee be better off joining Juventus, or could AC Milan or Napoli offer him a stronger platform to rediscover his best Serie A form? Have your say.