Headline: Joshua Zirkzee’s Future Hangs in the Balance Amid Transfer Interest from Juventus and Napoli
Joshua Zirkzee could be on his way back to Serie A this summer, but the eventual club he joins may hinge on which team can create space in their attacking lineup first.
According to Goal.com, the Dutch forward seemed close to joining Juventus just a few days ago. However, Napoli has now become a contender as Manchester United opens the door for a loan without any firm obligations to buy, meaning either club would mainly just be responsible for Zirkzee’s salary.
NOTTINGHAM, ENGLAND – APRIL 01: Joshua Zirkzee of Manchester United looks on as he walks out of the tunnel to inspect the pitch prior to during the Premier League match between Nottingham Forest FC and Manchester United FC at City Ground on April 01, 2025 in Nottingham, England. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)
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Both clubs need to sell before they can buy Zirkzee
Juventus have received Zirkzee’s approval for a transfer to Turin, but must first clear space in an attack that already features Randal Kolo Muani, Jonathan David, Arkadiusz Milik, and Jeff Ekhator. David appears most likely to depart, given his limited role under coach Luciano Spalletti.
The situation is complicated by tactical considerations as well; Spalletti seeks a genuine penalty-box forward, while Zirkzee favors a deeper position to link play.
On Napoli’s side, they, too, need to facilitate their own player exit, likely involving Noa Lang, before they can pursue Zirkzee. Notably, Zirkzee may not even be their top target; the team reportedly prefers Arsenal’s Gabriel Jesus, although his salary is viewed as a challenge, with Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson also being considered. For now, Zirkzee seems more like a secondary option for Napoli rather than a primary target.
Joshua Zirkzee could be heading back to Serie A this summer, but which club lands him may come down to who can clear space in their attack first.
According to Goal.com, the Dutch forward looked close to a move to Juventus until a few days ago, but Napoli have now entered the picture as Manchester United open the door to a loan departure without firm guarantees over an obligation to buy, a structure that would leave either club largely on the hook only for his salary.
NOTTINGHAM, ENGLAND – APRIL 01: Joshua Zirkzee of Manchester United looks on as he walks out of the tunnel to inspect the pitch prior to during the Premier League match between Nottingham Forest FC and Manchester United FC at City Ground on April 01, 2025 in Nottingham, England. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)
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Both clubs need to sell before they can buy Zirkzee
Juventus have Zirkzee’s full approval for a move to Turin, but need to clear space in a forward line already stocked with Randal Kolo Muani, Jonathan David, Arkadiusz Milik and Jeff Ekhator, with David the most likely to make way given his lack of a role under Luciano Spalletti.
There are tactical doubts too: Spalletti wants a genuine penalty-box number nine, while Zirkzee prefers to drop deeper and link play.
Napoli, meanwhile, need a departure of their own, likely Noa Lang, before they can move, and Zirkzee isn’t even their first choice, that’s Arsenal’s Gabriel Jesus, whose wages are considered prohibitive, with Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson also in the mix. For now, Zirkzee looks like a fallback option for Napoli rather than a priority target.
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