Sky Napoli eyes Zirkzee as Manchester United enters talks
Napoli have opened talks with Manchester United over Dutch striker Joshua Zirkzee, with the club of Aurelio De Laurentiis moving forward in the past 15 days, according to transfer specialist Gianluca Di Marzio on Sky Sport’s Calciomercato programme as the summer window draws to a close.
Transfer market heats up in final days
Stampa A− A+ reported that Napoli’s forward market is igniting in the closing phase of the summer window, with the club actively scouting options to refresh its attack.
The Italian side has identified three high‑profile targets: Joshua Zirkzee, Gabriel Jesus and Nicolas Jackson, all regarded as international‑level forwards.
Negli ultimi 15 giorni il Napoli ha mosso passi per Joshua Zirkzee. Il club di Aurelio De Laurentiis ha avviato i primi contatti diretti con il Manchester United per valutare la fattibilità dell'operazione e ha dialogato parallelamente con l'entourage dell'attaccante olandese.
In English, Gianluca Di Marzio said: "In the last 15 days Napoli has taken steps for Joshua Zirkzee. The club of Aurelio De Laurentiis has started direct contacts with Manchester United to assess the feasibility of the operation and has also spoken with the Dutch striker’s entourage."
Salary expectations for the former Bologna forward are described as “decidedly high”, a financial hurdle that Napoli must calibrate carefully, with the A− A+ rating underscoring the complexity.
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Juventus is also monitoring Zirkzee, having made a formal approach to the Red Devils, adding another layer of competition for Napoli’s pursuit.
Napoli’s overall strategy remains clear: the club will only finalize the incoming striker after securing the departure of an existing forward on its roster.
Once the outgoing sale is completed, Napoli will aim to close the Zirkzee deal under the most favourable economic and tactical conditions, according to the club’s hierarchy.
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