Joshua Zirkzee wages threaten Napoli transfer as Manchester United open to offers

Joshua Zirkzee’s future at Manchester United is under growing scrutiny ahead of the summer transfer window, with Napoli once again showing interest — but his salary demands are threatening to block any deal.

The Dutch striker has been on Napoli’s radar for some time, and with the Serie A side preparing for major attacking changes, his name has re-emerged as a serious option.

However, according to reports in Italy, Zirkzee’s wages at Old Trafford remain the biggest obstacle.

And unless that changes, Napoli may turn their attention elsewhere.

Napoli are preparing for a reshuffle in attack.

With Rasmus Højlund expected to join permanently and Romelu Lukaku increasingly likely to leave after tensions behind the scenes, sporting director Giovanni Manna is actively building a shortlist of replacements.

Zirkzee is one of the names on that list. The Manchester United forward has long been admired in Naples, dating back to his performances in Serie A before moving to England.

His technical quality, link-up play and movement in tight spaces make him an attractive fit for Italian football. That interest has never really disappeared. But the finances remain complicated.

According to Corriere del Mezzogiorno, Zirkzee’s current salary of €4.3 million per year is the central problem.

For Napoli, that wage level is considered too high under their current financial structure.

That matters. Napoli are actively trying to reduce costs this summer rather than expand their wage bill aggressively. And while they like the player, they are not prepared to break their internal structure.

That could push them towards cheaper alternatives. Brighton striker Evan Ferguson is also reportedly under consideration as another option.

However, much will depend on whether Zirkzee would be open to adjusting his salary expectations.

Manchester United are understood to be open to listening to offers this summer. That changes the equation. If United are willing to negotiate on the transfer fee, it could create room for Napoli to balance the financial side of the move.

But player wages remain separate. That puts much of the decision in Zirkzee’s hands. If he wants the move, compromise may be necessary.

Based on United’s season, Zirkzee has struggled to fully establish himself, and a fresh start could make sense.

Napoli’s recruitment under Manna has focused heavily on value. That is why Ferguson remains relevant. At a lower financial commitment, he could represent less risk. Zirkzee may still be the preferred profile, but wages often decide transfers as much as talent. And right now, that is the barrier.

This remains subject to whether United and Zirkzee soften their positions.

Napoli will continue reviewing striker options before making final summer decisions.

If Zirkzee’s wage situation remains unchanged, they could shift focus quickly to Ferguson or other alternatives.

Manchester United’s openness to selling keeps the door open. But compromise will be essential.