The Manchester United forward is back on Roma’s radar, with Gian Piero Gasperini pushing for a reunion attempt after the failed January move.
The connection between AS Roma and Joshua Zirkzee never completely disappeared.
Now, just months after a January deal collapsed at the final stages, the Dutch forward has once again emerged as one of Roma’s primary attacking targets heading into the summer transfer window.
According to reports in Italy, new Roma coach Gian Piero Gasperini has personally renewed his request to club owner Ryan Friedkin during recent planning meetings, identifying Zirkzee as a key piece for the next phase of the project.
The interest is not new.
Roma came extremely close to signing the former Bologna FC 1909 striker during the winter transfer window after lengthy negotiations and positive talks with the player himself.
But everything changed when Manchester United FC dismissed manager Rúben Amorim on January 5 and replaced him with Michael Carrick.
Carrick’s arrival immediately stabilized United’s season, guiding the club back into the Champions League places and eventually earning a contract extension through 2028.
That coaching change ultimately blocked Zirkzee’s departure.
Ironically, though, the striker’s role inside the squad barely improved.
Despite Manchester United’s strong form under Carrick, Zirkzee remained largely on the margins, making just one Premier League start since the managerial change and accumulating only 127 total minutes across 10 appearances.
With United already planning additional attacking reinforcements this summer, Roma now believes conditions could once again become favorable for a transfer.
And Gasperini reportedly has a very specific tactical vision in mind.
The Roma coach dreams of pairing Zirkzee with fellow Dutch international Donyell Malen in what Italian media has already described as an “all-orange” attacking setup.
Rather than using Zirkzee strictly as a traditional center forward, Gasperini reportedly sees him operating primarily as a left-sided attacking playmaker behind or around Malen.
The tactical idea fits both players’ strengths.
Malen is viewed as the vertical runner capable of attacking space and stretching defenses, while Zirkzee offers a completely different profile — a technical forward who prefers linking play, drifting between lines, and functioning almost as a false nine.
That flexibility is exactly what attracts Gasperini.
The coach also believes Zirkzee could serve as a natural alternative to Malen centrally when needed, giving Roma multiple attacking structures without requiring major tactical changes.
Financially, the operation is considered difficult but realistic.
Zirkzee remains under contract with Manchester United until 2029, but after a disappointing season — just two goals in 25 appearances and limited playing time overall — his valuation has dropped significantly.
Reports suggest Roma could potentially complete the deal for around €20-25 million.
For a player once considered one of Europe’s most promising young forwards, that price may now represent an opportunity Roma is unwilling to miss a second time.
Especially because, behind the scenes, there is still belief that Zirkzee would enthusiastically accept the move.
Gasperini reportedly already spoke directly with the player during the winter window, explaining how he would fit into the system and receiving positive feedback from the Dutchman.
Now Roma is preparing to try again.
And sometimes, as they say in Italy, certain love stories never really end.
