Manchester United's sale of Joshua Zirkzee looks to have come to a standstill for the time being, as a result of Napoli needing to sanction a departure before they can sign him. The Dutchman has failed to make much of a mark since his arrival at Old Trafford two years ago.
Zirkzee's struggles at Old Trafford
While many fans will have expected the forward to hit the ground running upon his arrival in Greater Manchester, considering his reputation with Bologna, Zirkzee has struggled to adapt to his new surroundings. The 25-year-old failed to live up to his £36.5million price tag in his debut season at the Theatre of Dreams, managing a paltry tally of just three Premier League goals in 32 appearances.
Following a lacklustre two in 24 last season, meanwhile, the general consensus is that Zirkzee will not have the pleasure of a third season with the club. While the forward was linked with a move to Roma in the January transfer window, it is now Napoli who are eyeing a move.
Napoli's need to offload first
I Partenopei are on the lookout for attacking reinforcement, having shipped off Romelu Lukaku to Fenerbahce recently in a £5m move. The Belgian, who represented the Reds between 2017 and 2019, coughed up just one goal in five Serie A appearances last season, and as a result, will now hope to enjoy a late career resurgence in the Turkish Super Lig.
While Napoli have enquired about the availability of Zirkzee for the new season, any move will have to wait until the club successfully facilitate another departure, as per Gianluca Di Marzio.
Atalanta's move could free up space
The positive news is that United may not have to wait too long to see movement on the Zirkzee front, with Atalanta looking to secure Noa Lang on loan for 2026/27.
While that would ultimately free up financial and inter-squad space for Zirkzee's arrival, matters could be complicated further as a result of Napoli considering he is not the only attacking player on the club's radar at present.
Other options for Napoli
Reports suggest that the Naples-based outfit are also monitoring Arsenal's Gabriel Jesus, who looks likely to leave north London ahead of next month's transfer deadline as a result of diminishing game-time under Mikel Arteta following the arrival of Viktor Gyokeres.
However, it is understood that the Brazilian striker is not interested in a move to the Serie A team. Chelsea's Nicolas Jackson is also another option for Napoli, considering his future looks incredibly uncertain in West London at present - despite being under contract until 2033.
The forward spent last season on loan with Bayern Munich, and with Joao Pedro expected to lead the line for Xabi Alonso going forward, Jackson could be on the move once more - either temporarily or permanently. However, Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa have also been credited with an interest in the Senegalese national, potentially sparking a bidding war Napoli will want no part in.
