Joshua Zirkzee transfer: Juventus make move after Man Utd struggles

Juventus have stepped up their interest in Manchester United striker Joshua Zirkzee after making contact with the Dutch forward's representatives, according to reports in Italy. The Serie A giants are exploring alternatives in the transfer market as negotiations for other attacking targets continue to stall, with Zirkzee now emerging as a serious option.

Manchester United are understood to value the 25-year-old at between €35 million and €40 million and may now be willing to consider more flexible deal structures after previously insisting on a permanent transfer.

Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport reports that Juventus remain locked in discussions with Paris Saint-Germain over Randal Kolo Muani but have yet to reach an agreement.

With that pursuit proving difficult, the Turin club have reopened talks over Zirkzee. Initial contact has reportedly been made with the player's camp, while the striker's estimated €4 million annual salary is not expected to present a major obstacle.

New Juventus sporting director Ricky Massara could play a decisive role. Massara previously tried to bring Zirkzee to Roma during his time in the Italian capital and has remained an admirer of the former Bologna forward. Former Juventus football executive Cristiano Giuntoli had also tracked the Dutch international before leaving the club.

Manchester United rejected loan proposals for Zirkzee during the January transfer window, preferring either a permanent sale or a loan that included a mandatory purchase clause.

Reports now suggest the Premier League club may be more open to creative arrangements if they can ultimately secure a permanent transfer close to their valuation.

That represents a shift from the club's earlier stance and could increase Juventus' chances of reaching an agreement before the new Serie A season begins.

Zirkzee struggled to establish himself in Manchester during the 2025/26 campaign. He made 24 Premier League appearances but accumulated only 609 league minutes as competition for attacking places intensified.

With Manchester United regularly deploying other forwards in central attacking roles, opportunities became increasingly limited. The lack of consistent football also affected his international prospects, with the striker missing out on selection for the Netherlands.

Juventus are expected to continue talks over both Kolo Muani and Zirkzee in the coming weeks as they finalise their attacking plans. Manchester United will also assess offers as they reshape their squad before the new campaign.

If negotiations accelerate, Zirkzee's future could become one of the key transfer stories to watch before the summer window closes.