Joshua Zirkzee: Napoli launch enquiry as Juventus race heats up
Joshua Zirkzee has attracted interest from Napoli and Juventus.
Manchester United forward Joshua Zirkzee has attracted interest from Napoli, with Juventus also monitoring the Dutch striker. The Serie A clubs are looking for attacking reinforcements, while Zirkzee’s future at Old Trafford remains uncertain after a difficult spell in England.
Napoli enquire about Zirkzee
As reported by Sky Sports, Napoli have made an enquiry about Zirkzee as they assess their options for a new striker. The Italian champions are also considering Chelsea forward Nicolas Jackson, although his £65 million valuation could make a deal difficult.
Zirkzee could be a more affordable option for Napoli. The 25-year-old joined the Red Devils from Bologna in July 2024 after a good season in Serie A. His form had previously earned him a place in the 2023-24 Serie A Team of the Year. He also won the league’s Best Under-23 Player award.
Those performances led United to spend heavily on the Dutch forward. However, Zirkzee has struggled to become a regular starter at Old Trafford. His situation has now attracted interest from clubs looking for an experienced striker with a different style. Napoli could see Zirkzee as a good option as they continue to search for attacking reinforcements.
Juventus also want Manchester United forward
As reported by ESPN, Juventus are also interested in Zirkzee as they search for a new No. 9. The Italian club need attacking reinforcements following Dušan Vlahović’s free transfer to Besiktas this summer. Zirkzee’s previous experience in Serie A could make him particularly appealing to Juventus. Before joining United, the Dutchman spent several seasons developing in Italy.
He came through Bayern Munich’s academy and made 17 first-team appearances for the club. He then gained experience on loan at Parma and Anderlecht before joining Bologna permanently in August 2022. His time at Bologna became a key point in his career. Zirkzee grew into one of Serie A’s most exciting young forwards and played an important role in the club’s strong season.
That form led to his move to Manchester United and a new chapter in his career. However, Zirkzee has not shown the same consistency in the Premier League. Juventus could now give him a chance to return to Italy, where he played some of the best football of his career.
Joshua Zirkzee’s Manchester United stats for the 2025/26 season, as per FOTMOB:
| Competitions | Appearances | Goals | Assists | Chances Created |
| Premier League | 24 | 2 | 1 | 11 |
| FA Cup | 1 | 0 | 0 | – |
| EFL Cup | 1 | 0 | 0 | – |
Zirkzee faces decision over United future
Napoli and Juventus’ interest could give Zirkzee an important choice this summer. A return to Serie A could suit the Dutch forward. He already knows the league and has played well there before. For Manchester United, a possible exit would give Michael Carrick another decision to make. He is still shaping his attack for the new season. United must decide if Zirkzee is part of his plans or if they should let him leave for the right offer.
Napoli have other targets, with Arsenal forward Gabriel Jesus also available for around £30 million. The Italian side therefore has several options. Zirkzee’s past success in Italy could still make him an attractive choice. His ability to link up and play in different forward roles could offer Napoli or Juventus something different from a traditional No. 9.
For Zirkzee, a return to Serie A could give him a chance to rebuild his confidence and find his consistent form again. Regular football could also help him get back to his best. Napoli have now made enquiries, while Juventus are also interested. The race for his signature could grow in the final days of the transfer window.
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