Manchester United striker Joshua Zirkzee has been enduring a rough week, and his chances of sealing a return to Serie A have taken a hit.The Dutchman was given a rare starting berth against Wolves. Al...
Manchester United striker Joshua Zirkzee has been enduring a rough week, and his chances of sealing a return to Serie A have taken a hit.
The Dutchman was given a rare starting berth against Wolves. Although he managed to score the opener thanks to a deflected effort, Ruben Amorim wasn’t impressed with the 24-year-old’s overall performance, which only earned him a 4/10 grade on The Sun’s player ratings.
The manager thus decided to replace Zirkzee with the young Jack Fletcher at the interval, with the announcement receiving an ‘odd cheer’ from a section for the Old Trafford home supporters.
Joshua Zirkzee could be left high & dry as Roma find an alternative
Following this unpleasant experience, many felt that the Netherlands international’s departure has become inevitable, including the Sun journalist Samuel Luckhurst, who expects him to be pushed out of the club this month.
In recent weeks, Zirkzee emerged as Roma’s main target to bolster Gian Piero Gasperini’s attack. The former Atalanta boss has been monitoring the striker since his memorable stint at Bologna.
(Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
But according to reputable Italian journalist Alfredo Pedulla, Roma have now reached an agreement with Atletico Madrid for Giaocomo Raspadori’s transfer.
The versatile Italian striker was initially considered a fallback option for the Giallorossi, but the two clubs accelerated their talks over the past few days, so the player has now been given the green light to join Gasperini’s team.
This move now hinges on an agreement with Roma and Raspadori’s entourage on personal terms.
Why Raspadori’s arrival could kill off Zirkzee’s Roman hopes?
It should be noted that reports in Italy had insisted that signing both Zirkzee and Raspadori could be plausible for Roma.
However, if the former Napoli and Sassuolo player ends up sealing a move to the Eternal City, then Roma won’t be too desperate to land Zirkzee, especially since they’ll have to wait until the final stages of January when Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo are back from the African Cup of Nations.
Moreover, the Giallorossi would have to make room for the Man Utd struggler by offloading Artem Dovbyk.
Therefore, Raspadori’s transfer to Roma would certainly serve as a blow for Zirkzee, especially with no other concrete destination on the horizon.
Category: General Sports
