Joshua Zirkzee is reportedly waiting for Juventus to make their move as the Italian giants explore a late loan deal for the Manchester United forward.
Gazzetta dello Sport (paper edition, 27 August, page 8) reports that Zirkzee is intrigued by the prospect of returning to Italy, although any approach depends on Jonathan David leaving Turin first.
With only six days remaining in the transfer window, that creates a race against time for Juventus, Zirkzee and United. The Red Devils would also need to decide whether a temporary departure makes sporting sense so close to the deadline.
Juventus need David departure
Juventus reportedly have to create an available slot before pursuing another centre-forward. David is happy in Turin and has previously indicated that he does not want to leave, but he has fallen out of Luciano Spalletti’s plans.
Atlético Madrid are now considering the Canadian, with Paris FC also monitoring his situation. Gazzetta suggests Atlético’s interest has given David something to think about despite his initial reluctance to move.
A departure would allow Juventus to turn towards Zirkzee, whose previous spell with Bologna means he is already familiar with Serie A. The Dutchman is said to be interested in the possibility of another Italian adventure.
The financial structure is crucial. Juventus are operating under restrictions linked to an agreement with UEFA, leaving them to pursue exchanges or loans rather than a permanent purchase before the window shuts.
As a result, the only viable proposal for Zirkzee would reportedly be a loan containing an option to buy. Juventus’ ownership may be prepared to invest further, but Gazzetta says the club currently lacks the freedom to complete a conventional transfer.
United face a difficult deadline decision
From Manchester United’s perspective, the suggested formula raises an obvious question. A loan would remove Zirkzee from the squad without guaranteeing a permanent fee at the end of the season.
An option to buy would also leave much of the long-term risk with United. If Zirkzee performed well, Juventus could exercise it; if he struggled, the forward could return to Manchester with his future still unresolved.
The timing presents another complication. Allowing a senior attacker to leave during the final days of the window could force the Red Devils into the market for a replacement, assuming they are not already satisfied with their remaining options.
There is no indication in the Italian report that United have approved a loan, entered formal negotiations or identified somebody to take Zirkzee’s place. Juventus’ interest therefore remains conditional rather than an advanced agreement.
The player’s wishes will still carry weight. Gazzetta describes Zirkzee as unhappy in Manchester and listening to interest from other clubs, but Juventus cannot offer certainty while David continues to occupy the relevant place in their squad.
Spalletti’s striker search
Spalletti has made clear that he wants a physically imposing centre-forward capable of deciding crowded penalty-area situations, particularly with headers late in matches.
Zirkzee does not perfectly fit that description, something the report openly acknowledges. However, the Juventus coach would still welcome a forward who can connect play and threaten the box, especially when the club’s financial limitations have narrowed the available market.
Alexander Sørloth has also been considered, but his possible departure from Atlético is viewed as increasingly unlikely. Gazzetta rules out a swap involving Sørloth and David, leaving Zirkzee as the more realistic target under the permitted loan structure.
Juventus must now persuade David to leave, reach acceptable terms with United and complete the necessary paperwork before Tuesday’s 8pm deadline. Until the first of those pieces falls into place, Zirkzee can do little more than wait.
The Peoples Person Reliability Assessment
Overall credibility: 8/10
Why?
✅ David's impending departure has been reported by several reliable outlets
✅ Zirkzee seems surplus to Michael Carrick's requirements
✅ Zirkzee has a good reputation in Serie A, so his stock is high
⚠️ Gazzetta can be hit-and-miss with transfer stories
TPP View
Juventus will no doubt have Zirkzee in their sights, so we think this report is accurate.
Featured image by Molly Darlington/Getty Images
