Old Trafford chiefs have made encouraging progress in the transfer market under Michael Carrick’s direction, though one potential departure could face a setback. Carrick might need to delay the sale of Joshua Zirkzee.
The Red Devils’ attempt to sell Joshua Zirkzee appears to have stalled temporarily, with Napoli unable to proceed with a signing until they first approve an outgoing player. The Netherlands international has struggled to make an impact since joining United two years ago.
Despite supporters anticipating immediate impact given his Bologna credentials, the striker has found it difficult to settle in Manchester. The 25-year-old couldn’t justify his £36.5million valuation in his first season at the Theatre of Dreams, scoring only three Premier League goals in 32 matches. After managing just two goals in 24 appearances last term, the widely held view is that Zirkzee will not get a third season at the club.
While the forward had been connected with Roma during the January window, it is now Napoli who are pursuing him. The Italian side require attacking options after sending Romelu Lukaku to Fenerbahce in a deal worth £5million. The Belgian, who previously featured for United between 2017 and 2019, managed only one goal in five Serie A appearances last season and will now seek a late-career revival in Turkey.
Napoli have asked about Zirkzee’s availability for the upcoming campaign, though any transfer must wait until the club completes another exit, according to Gianluca Di Marzio. The encouraging aspect for United is that movement could come soon, with Atalanta preparing to take Noa Lang on loan for 2026/27. This would free up room within their squad and budget for Zirkzee’s arrival, though complications may arise as Napoli also consider other attacking targets.
Reports indicate the Naples club are also watching Arsenal’s Gabriel Jesus, who seems set to leave north London before the transfer deadline due to reduced opportunities under Mikel Arteta following Viktor Gyokeres’s arrival. However, the Brazilian forward is understood to have no interest in joining the Serie A side. Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson presents another possibility for Napoli, with his position at Stamford Bridge appearing uncertain despite being tied to the club until 2033.
Jackson spent last term on loan at Bayern Munich, and with Joao Pedro expected to lead the attack under Xabi Alonso, the Senegal international could move again either temporarily or permanently. Nonetheless, Tottenham and Aston Villa have also been linked with the forward, potentially triggering a bidding war that Napoli would prefer to avoid.