Napoli have reportedly emerged as serious contenders to sign Manchester United forward Joshua Zirkzee, with a move for the Netherlands international potentially taking place during the January transfer window.
The Red Devils signed Zirkzee off the back of the striker scoring 14 goals in 58 appearances for Bologna, including 11 Serie A goals last term, but he has found it difficult to make his mark for the 20-time English champions.
The 23-year-old has managed just three goals in 21 appearances for the Red Devils, while he has scored just twice since the opening night of the 2024-25 Premier League campaign.
Zirkzee was given the nod through the middle against Viktoria Plzen in the Europa League on Thursday night, but he struggled to make his mark and was replaced by Rasmus Hojlund when the English side were 1-0 behind.
Hojlund came up with a brace to win it for Man United, and the Denmark international will be given the nod through the middle against Manchester City in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon.
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Napoli 'keen on January deal for Zirkzee'
Despite his struggles in England, Zirkzee has credit in the bank due to his impressive displays in Italy, and it is understood that a number of high-profile Serie A clubs are interested in the forward.
Juventus and Inter Milan are among the teams said to be keen on him, but according to Il Mattino, there is also genuine interest from Napoli, with their head coach Antonio Conte pushing for a deal.
The report claims that Zirkzee is interested in returning to Serie A and would be attracted by Napoli, who famously signed Scott McTominay from the Red Devils during the summer transfer window.
In November, it was claimed that the attacker's agent Kia Joorabchian has been in discussions with Juventus sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli 'for months' over a potential return to Italian football.
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Should Man United let Zirkzee leave?
Zirkzee showed his class by scoring twice in Man United's recent Premier League win over Everton, but there have been too many underwhelming performances from the Dutchman since his arrival.
The rotational policy that head coach Ruben Amorim has adopted since his arrival at Old Trafford is benefiting Zirkzee, but Hojlund is the number one striker, and another forward is set to move to Old Trafford next year.
As a result, there will have to be sales in the final third of the field, and it makes sense for Man United to move him on due to the interest that is there from Italy, with Zirkzee's style certainly more suited to a league with a lower tempo.
Matt Law
