Roma’s pursuit of the highly-rated Dutch striker has hit an early roadblock, with Manchester United having rejected the Giallorossi’s initial transfer proposal.
According to a report from [Corriere dello Sport](https://www.corrieredellosport.it/video/calcio/serie-a/roma/2025/12/06-145074781/roma_su_zirkzee_il_manchester_dice_no_al_prestito_con_riscatto), Roma are actively working to bring Dutch forward Joshua Zirkzee to the club.
The report suggests that the player himself is enthusiastic about the move to the capital club. However, the final approval for the transfer is dependent on Manchester United, who are said to hold the key to the deal.
Manchester United has already turned down Roma’s first offer, which was structured as a loan with an option to buy. Crucially, the activation of this purchase option was reportedly conditional on Roma successfully qualifying for the Champions League, as they find themselves in the top four right now.
The rejection of this initial formula means Roma will need to return with a new proposal to secure the services of the striker.