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Napoli are reportedly interested in signing Manchester United's Joshua Zirkzee this January. They will, however, have to pay over at least €40 million to sign him.
The Red Devils signed Zirkzee from Bologna last summer for a reported fee of €40 million plus add-ons. The Dutch forward has, however, struggled to make a big impact as he's struggled with form. He is known for his link-up play, dribbling, and finding pockets of space while Manchester United have often used him as a traditional No. 9.
Amidst his struggles, Zirkzee has been linked with a move away from Old Trafford this January. As per TMW (via Tribal Football), Napoli are interested in signing the Dutchman as a potential replacement for Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. The Georgian attacker has been linked with a potential move to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG).
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Napoli will have to pay over €40 million for Zirkzee as the Red Devils will not sell him for a loss, with his contract expiring in 2029. The Italian giants can also look for a loan with a buy option. Juventus have also been linked with the Dutchman, which will see him potentially reunite with manager Thiago Motta.
Ruben Amorim on Joshua Zirkzee after his winning penalty in Manchester United's win over Arsenal
The Red Devils beat Arsenal on penalties at the Emirates in their FA Cup third-round clash on Sunday. Bruno Fernandes gave Manchester United the lead in the 52nd minute before Diogo Dalot was sent off after receiving his second yellow card in the 61st minute. Gabriel Magalhaes equalized for the Gunners two minutes later but they couldn't break United down.
Joshua Zirkzee came on in the 81st minute, replacing Rasmus Hojlund, and put in a good performance as the lone striker up front. He then also scored the winning penalty in shootout after it remained 1-1 after extra time as well.
After the game, Ruben Amorim heaped praise on Zirkzee for bouncing back from the recent Newcastle United incident. He said (via manutd.com):
"Joshua is a good guy. Life has this beautiful thing where he had a difficult moment [against Newcastle] and today he was a game changer for us. All the players in this team will have an opportunity, and all of them are lucky because they play for Manchester United. It doesn’t matter if you have one game or 90 games, it is always a joy to play for this club."
In Manchester United's 2-0 defeat against Newcastle a few weeks ago, Amorim subbed off Zirkzee in the 33rd minute. The Old Trafford crowd notably booed off the forward, who has registered four goals and two assists in 29 games across competitions this season.
