Zirkzee Approves Napoli Move as Manchester United Weigh Changes

Manchester United forward Joshua Zirkzee is set for a possible January exit after reports on October 10 said he is open to joining Napoli, with the Italian club exploring a deal and United considering attacking reinforcements.

According to Football365 and TeamTalk, Zirkzee joined United from Bologna in 2024 for about £36.5 million and has recorded nine goals and four assists in 79 appearances. The 25-year-old has struggled to secure a regular role under Michael Carrick.

Sports Yahoo reported that Napoli have made preliminary contact with United while Juventus and Fiorentina are also interested. United are open to either a permanent sale or loan move, with reports placing a possible fee between €30 million and €35 million.

Area Napoli reported that contacts between Napoli and Manchester United have started regarding the former Bologna player.

"Napoli are also carefully assessing the former Bologna player's profile. There have been some tentative contacts between De Laurentiis's club and Manchester United," Area Napoli reported.

The report added that Napoli believe former United players Rasmus Hojlund and Scott McTominay could help encourage Zirkzee to consider a move to Italy. Both players currently represent Napoli.

"Manchester United, who had paid over 42 million euros for him from Bologna, are now open to selling him outright for a fee of around 30–35 million euros or even loaning him out," Area Napoli reported.

United are also assessing their January needs because Benjamin Sesko's injury issues have reduced attacking options, according to TeamTalk. The club could seek another striker if Zirkzee departs.

"Napoli's sporting director, Giovanni Manna, has a solid strategy in place, bolstered by two unexpected allies within Manchester United: namely, former Red Devils Rasmus Højlund and Scott McTominay, who could advise the former Bologna player to take on a spell at the Maradona," Area Napoli reported.

Napoli's pursuit could face competition from Juventus, which has also been linked with Zirkzee. Area Napoli said Juventus may have difficulty creating space for another forward during the January window.

"In January, it will not be easy for Juve to offload the German giant to make room for Zirkzee. Another advantage, therefore, for De Laurentiis's Napoli," Area Napoli reported.