Manchester United striker Joshua Zirkzee has approved a potential return to Serie A with Juventus this summer, according to Gazzetta dello Sport.
The Bianconeri had a disappointing end to the previous campaign. They finished sixth in Serie A and missed out on Champions League football.
Despite this, the club are aiming high in the transfer window. The Turin giants were initially looking to sign one striker between Kolo Muani and Zirkzee.
However, they are now planning to sign both. Zirkzee has given an ‘initial yes’ to the Bianconeri, who are exploring a loan with a conditional buy obligation.
The Dutchman is eager to revive his playing career and would like to return to the Italian top-flight, where he was previously successful with Bologna.
Juventus’ new technical director Frederic Massara is driving the club’s pursuit of Zirkzee.
Massara was Roma’s sporting director last season. He was in constant contact with Zirkzee’s agent Kia Joorabchian but could not strike a suitable deal in January.
Massara is now determined to bring Zirkzee to the Bianconeri.
United could part ways with Zirkzee for the right price
Zirkzee has been a big disappointment during his time at United. He has netted just nine goals from 75 appearances in all competitions.
The Dutchman played second fiddle to Rasmus Hojlund during his debut season in 2024/25. Last term, he had to settle for a similar role.
Benjamin Sesko came in to replace Hojlund, who left for Napoli, but Zirkzee continued to remain a squad player for most of the season.
The likes of Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo led the line ahead of Zirkzee when Sesko was benched or unavailable for selection.
Hence, it is unsurprising that Zirkzee is prepared to move on.
A return to Serie A could be ideal for him, given it is more tactical and less intense than the Premier League.
United have also opened the door for his departure. They are prepared to sanction his sale for between £30-34 million this summer.
The club are open to a ‘creative formula’, which means they could accept a loan deal with an obligation to buy based on a condition.
Napoli agreed a similar move for Hojlund last summer and signed him permanently after they qualified for the Champions League last term.
Stats from Transfermarkt