Zirkzee targeted by Napoli after Manchester United struggle
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - AUGUST 16: Joshua Zirkzee of Manchester United celebrates scoring his team's first goal with teammate Marcus Rashford during the Premier League match between Manchester United FC and Fulham FC at Old Trafford on August 16, 2024 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
Napoli are reportedly ready to ask Manchester United for Joshua Zirkzee in January, if their first choice Gustavo Varela of Monza falls through.
The Partenopei have made no secret of the fact they will go back on the market mid-season to reinforce the squad, especially with Lorenzo Lucca and Noa Lang on the way out.
Their primary focus is strengthening the attack, where currently Rasmus Hojlund is practically the only centre-forward ready to play the big games.
Zirkzee and Varela on Napoli list
Varela has caught their eye after an impressive start to his Serie A career at Monza, scoring nine goals in just 10 top flight matches.
However, Napoli are by no means the only club interested in the 21-year-old, who is also on the radar of Juventus, Arsenal, Manchester United and more.
According to Sport Mediaset, their alternative is Zirkzee, a player who has been repeatedly linked with a return to Serie A after his experience with Bologna.
Manchester United paid over €42.5m to buy the Netherlands international from Bologna in 2024, but he has struggled for regular playing time at Old Trafford.
Zirkzee’s future may well be elsewhere now that Manchester United have sacked Michael Carrick and brought in Mauricio Pochettino.
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