Antonio Conte head coach of Napoli gestures during the Coppa Italia match between SS Lazio and Napoli at Stadio Olimpico on December 05, 2024
Antonio Conte during Napoli's clash against Lazio (Image: Photo by Silvia Lore/Getty Images)
Napoli boss Antonio Conte has reportedly given the Serie A side the green light to pursue a transfer for Manchester United striker Joshua Zirkzee in the January transfer window. The 23-year-old striker, who joined the Red Devils from Bologna for £36.5m in the summer, has struggled to impress since touching down at Old Trafford.
Zirkzee, who penned a five-year contract, has featured 15 times for United in the Premier League this season, scoring three goals and providing one assist. After netting in a 1-0 win against Fulham on the opening day of the season, the Netherlands international went on an 11-game drought.
He finally ended his barren run in front of goal with a brace in a 4-0 win over Everton earlier this month. Despite his uninspiring performances, Zirkzee has reportedly managed to attract interest from the Italian top flight.
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According to Italian outlet Il Mattino, Conte has given Napoli higher-ups the 'green light' to sign the Dutchman from United. The report states that the former Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur boss has been a long admirer of Zirkzee.
It's said that the Italian giants are particularly keen on signing second United player after Scott McTominay hit the ground running in Naples. Napoli signed the 28-year-old midfielder in the summer for £25m – and he's proven to be a shrewd acquisition.
"I try to pick the best players," said Conte when he was recently quizzed on the decision to sign McTominay. "We did well with Scott because he was not a starter at Manchester United, but I already knew him very well.
"We worked under the radar to bring him here. Of course everyone is eager to prove themselves and I am glad that we got it right choosing McTominay."
While Napoli may be keen to sign another United star, an Italian agent and intermediary has ruled out a move in January. Speaking on Radio Marte, as quoted by Sport Witness, Vincenzo Morabito said: "I can exclude a transfer of Zirkzee to Napoli in January. Players at this level hardly move when the league is underway.
"The Dutchman has just arrived at United and his difficulties in tactical adaptation are normal at this stage. In Italian football, when a player isn’t used to certain game systems, it is normal that he may encounter some initial difficulties.
"As for Zirkzee, Manchester United have no intention of selling him, not even on loan. They would still have to replace him, and this would involve a further investment to replace him in the squad."
That said, Zirkzee's agent, Kia Joorabchian, hasn't commented on the matter. And, earlier this month when United defeated Everton, the Dutchman appeared eager to show his teeth and transform the club's poor form.
"Hard times and strong people bond,” said Zirkzee. "I think that’s what’s happening now. Sunday was a great, great day. A win is exactly what these fans deserved, so it’s a great day.
"As you said, there were a couple of moments where it could’ve gone differently, but I think we stayed strong as a team and 4-0 was a great result."
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