Juventus have accelerated talks to sign Manchester United forward Joshua Zirkzee as the Italian giants look to strengthen Luciano Spalletti’s attack before the transfer window closes. La Gazzetta dello Sport reports that United are willing to consider a temporary agreement after the Dutch international signalled his desire to return to Serie A following two frustrating seasons in England.
Ricky Massara is leading negotiations from Juventus’ side. His preference is clear. He wants a straight loan without any obligation to buy because the club has already committed €38 million, plus another €12 million in add-ons, to complete the signing of Randal Kolo Muani from Paris Saint-Germain. Every euro matters, so Juventus want extra attacking quality without another major financial commitment.
Zirkzee isn’t a traditional penalty-box striker, yet his ability to link play, receive possession under pressure and create space for others offers something different. That profile appeals to Spalletti, who wants greater variety across the front line.
One separate transfer could decide everything. Jonathan David hopes to stay despite scoring only eight goals during his first campaign, though his early substitution in Juventus’ friendly against Al Nassr in Hong Kong has fuelled fresh exit speculation. Should negotiations with Manchester United break down, Juventus have alternatives ready, with Nicolas Jackson, Emmanuel Emegha and Liam Delap all under consideration.
Joshua Zirkzee to Juventus makes sporting sense
Few players need a fresh start more than Zirkzee. During the 2025/26 Premier League season, the 25-year-old scored two goals and supplied one assist across 24 appearances. He started only five league matches and played just 624 minutes, showing how little faith successive managers placed in him.
Carrick’s arrival has pushed him even lower in the attacking order. Benjamin Šeško, Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo now stand ahead of him, while his overall return of nine goals in 75 Manchester United appearances simply hasn’t justified the original £36.5 million investment.
Joshua Zirkzee to Juventus should include one key condition
Juventus’ preferred deal suits them far more than Manchester United. That’s why United should insist on an unconditional obligation to buy worth around €35-40 million instead of accepting a basic loan.
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That figure would protect the club’s financial position because Zirkzee’s remaining book value sits around £22 million after two years of amortisation. It would clear his reported £105,000-a-week wages from the payroll and give INEOS greater flexibility in the market, particularly if they pursue Kenan Yildiz or Mateo Retegui. A simple loan leaves too much risk on United’s side if his value drops again.