Serie A giants AS Roma are reportedly increasingly unlikely to sign 24-year-old Dutch attacker Joshua Zirkzee from Manchester United in the winter transfer window.

According to a report by Corriere dello Sport, as relayed by Sport Witness, Joshua Zirkzee is the subject of interest from AS Roma. The Serie A title hopefuls are keen on reinforcing their offensive unit by signing a versatile attacker in the winter transfer window. So, the 24-year-old Manchester United striker has emerged as a target for the Giallorossi.

However, the latest report has revealed that “the Manchester United player is ‘increasingly difficult’ for the Italian side” heading into the winter transfer window. The Dutchman’s entourage is “demanding high commission payments” to seal a January move, and a deal is increasingly unlikely to materialise.

How has Joshua Zirkzee fared at Manchester United?

Joshua Zirkzee has endured a topsy-turvy ride since joining Manchester United from Bologna in a deal worth €42.5 million last year. The 24-year-old arrived at Old Trafford in solid form after an impressive 2023/24 campaign. However, the player has struggled to make his mark throughout his spell with the Premier League club thus far, with his minutes reducing this term.

While the Dutch attacker has started the last two games, he has managed only 270 minutes of game time in seven appearances thus far in the 2025/26 season. However, the Netherlands international has shown signs of a turnaround after scoring in Manchester United’s 2-1 win over Crystal Palace. Meanwhile, he is also a target for AS Roma heading into the winter transfer window.

Will Zirkzee return to Serie A soon?

AS Roma’s interest in Joshua Zirkzee is understandable. The Serie A giants are scouring the market for a versatile attacker heading into the winter transfer window, as they are struggling with an injury crisis. Leon Bailey, Paulo Dybala, Artem Dovbyk, and Evan Ferguson have been in and out of the treatment room, leaving AS Roma in a spot of bother.

So, Gian Piero Gasperini wants an attacker who can fulfil multiple roles in the final third. Joshua Zirkzee has thus emerged as AS Roma’s top target, with widespread reports claiming they have submitted an offer to sign the 24-year-old Dutchman from Manchester United. However, the latest update has revealed that a deal may not materialise in the coming weeks.

The report suggests that “the Manchester United player is ‘increasingly difficult’ for the Italian side” heading into the winter transfer window. The versatile Dutch attacker’s entourage is “demanding high commission payments” to seal a January move, making a deal increasingly unlikely to materialise.