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Roma’s search for a clinical edge has led them directly to Manchester United’s Joshua Zirkzee, with the Giallorossi now in daily contact to bring the Dutchman back to Serie A. However, [according](https://www.gazzetta.it/Calcio/Calciomercato/Roma/19-12-2025/calciomercato-roma-zirkzee-e-raspadori-prime-scelte-idea-pinamonti.shtml) to **La Gazzetta dello Sport**, negotiations with the Premier League giants are proving to be a complex financial puzzle.
While Roma are pushing for an initial loan move to bolster Gian Piero Gasperini’s attacking options, Manchester United have set a clear price tag on the former Bologna man. The English club are reportedly demanding a total package worth €45 million to sanction a permanent departure.
Crucially, United are not interested in a simple dry loan. The Red Devils are holding out for a deal structured as a loan with a mandatory obligation to buy, ensuring a guaranteed return on their investment.
There is also a significant temporal hurdle for Ricky Massara to clear. United have signaled that they will not authorize Zirkzee’s exit until mid-January at the earliest. This delay is strictly tied to the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), as the Manchester club looks to maintain squad depth while other attacking options depart for international duty.
With Zirkzee high on the wishlist alongside Atletico Madrid’s Giacomo Raspadori, Roma find themselves in a waiting game. The daily dialogues continue, but the Giallorossi must decide if they are willing to commit to the heavy €45m obligation required to bring the player back to Italy.
Kaustubh Pandey I GIFN