Juventus open talks with Man Utd over Joshua Zirkzee move amid Kolo Muani setback

Juventus have opened preliminary talks with Manchester United over a summer move for Dutch forward Joshua Zirkzee, as the Italian club intensifies its search for a new striker ahead of the coming season.

The Turin side have approached United to explore the feasibility of signing the 25-year-old during the current transfer window, according to Italian newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport.

The enquiry comes as Juventus’ attempts to sign France international Randal Kolo Muani from Paris Saint-Germain have stalled, prompting the club to accelerate alternative options in attack.

Flexible deal structure on the table

Manchester United are understood to value Zirkzee at between €35m and €40m, the report says, but are willing to show flexibility over how any agreement is structured.

Club executives are open to discussing a “flexible formula” to complete the deal, which could include payment in instalments or other tailored financial arrangements to help Juventus spread the cost of the transfer.

Such an approach would align with Juventus’ broader strategy in the market, as they seek to strengthen key areas of the squad without overextending their finances.

Zirkzee high on Juventus shortlist

Zirkzee is described as one of the leading names under active consideration by Juventus to reinforce their forward line this summer.

The Dutchman’s profile – a versatile attacker capable of linking play and operating across the front line – is seen as a good tactical fit for the Italian club’s plans for the new campaign.

His candidacy is expected to gain even more prominence if Juventus definitively fail to secure Kolo Muani from PSG, with the French striker having been a long-standing target to spearhead their attack.

Juventus are determined to add at least one high-level attacker before the start of the new season, and Zirkzee’s availability and age profile make him an attractive option.

United spell and performance record

Since joining Manchester United, Zirkzee has made 75 appearances in all competitions for the Premier League side.

Over that spell he has scored nine goals and provided four assists, a return that has drawn interest from clubs across Europe who believe the forward could flourish with a more prominent role.

While those numbers are modest compared with some elite strikers, Juventus are said to view Zirkzee as a player with significant potential for growth, particularly in a system that places greater emphasis on his combination play and movement.

Negotiations at an early stage

Talks between Juventus and Manchester United are described as exploratory at this point, with no formal bid yet submitted.

However, the initial contact signals Juventus’ intent to move swiftly in the market, conscious that other clubs could enter the race if negotiations drag on.

Much could depend on how quickly Juventus gain clarity over the Kolo Muani situation and whether they decide to fully pivot towards Zirkzee as their primary target in attack.

For now, Zirkzee remains a Manchester United player, but with the transfer window in full swing and Juventus under pressure to reinforce, his future may become one of the stories to watch in the closing weeks of the summer market.