Breaking news from Gianluca Di Marzio this morning: Juventus are advancing for Joshua Zirkzee, with constant dialogue ongoing between the club and his agent Kia Joorabchian, as well as directly with Manchester United — who have already indicated their openness to a loan arrangement. This is an operation that Frederic Massara wanted to complete during his time at Roma, and he now has the opportunity to pursue it from the Juventus side instead.
A Massara Obsession Finally Within Reach
The personal dimension is significant. Massara has admired Zirkzee for years — since his exceptional final Bologna season in which the Dutch forward produced 11 goals and 12 assists, establishing himself as one of Serie A’s most technically sophisticated strikers. That move to Roma never materialised, but Massara’s conviction in the player’s quality has not diminished. Now, with the authority of his Juventus role and a direct line of communication to both agent and club, the deal he always wanted is finally achievable.
Manchester United’s willingness to sanction a loan reflects the reality of a situation in which Zirkzee never fully established himself under Rúben Amorim’s demanding tactical system. Two seasons in the Premier League produced moments of genuine quality alongside periods of frustrating inconsistency — and with United unwilling to sell permanently at a price that reflects his original fee, a loan gives them a way to move the player without registering a loss.
How Zirkzee Fits the Juventus Attack
With Kolo Muani now confirmed as the senior centre-forward and Alajbegovic operating as the trequartista behind him, Zirkzee would represent a third forward option of an entirely different profile — one capable of serving as Kolo Muani’s direct backup whilst also capable of dropping deeper and creating from within, his natural Serie A playing style restored to the environment where he best expressed it.
Mateo Pellegrino of Parma remains a background option, but Zirkzee is currently the priority. With Jonathan David’s departure still being worked on and the squad’s attacking depth still insufficient for the demands of a dual Europa League and Serie A campaign, completing a deal for the Dutch forward would give Spalletti the flexibility and quality he has consistently requested. The window is moving fast. The green light from United has been given. Massara, as Di Marzio puts it, is ready to go.
