Sky Sports Italy report growing momentum behind Roma’s pursuit of Joshua Zirkzee, as the Serie A club accelerates plans to reinforce Gian Piero Gasperini’s attack in January. Their approach focuses on a loan with an option tied to performance targets, while Manchester United remain keen to generate immediate value rather than defer profit.
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Roma’s urgency is clear, wanting the forward available “in the early days of the month”, a timeline that places pressure on negotiations. United, which is watching Roma’s interest closely”, continue to weigh financial certainty against squad management needs.
As Paolo Assogna explains from Trigoria, “In the video, the latest news with the correspondent in Trigoria, Paolo Assogna.”, underlining that talks remain active but far from resolved.
Deal Structure Debate
The contrasting preferences capture the familiar January tension. Roma seek flexibility, United seek cash. Both positions are understandable and potentially compatible, though timing may dictate the outcome as much as valuation.
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Manchester United supporters are tired of half-measures and blurred strategy. A loan with a conditional option looks like another attempt to shift risk away from buying clubs and back onto United. Many fans would echo the sentiment, “If Roma truly believe in the player, then permanent commitment should follow, not temporary convenience.”
There is also unease about squad churn. United have lacked attacking consistency, and letting another forward drift out on a short-term arrangement can feel like papering over deeper issues in recruitment planning. Supporters want clarity. Either build around assets or sell them decisively to fund upgrades. The middle ground pleases no one.
Financially, monetising now makes sense given PSR pressures, but emotionally it reads as reactive rather than purposeful. Fans crave a forward line chosen for system fit, not price-tag management. Until that alignment arrives, reports like this reinforce the idea that United are negotiating from necessity rather than strength.