Zirkzee targeted by Napoli after Manchester United struggle

Zirkzee targeted by Napoli after Manchester United struggle Napoli are reportedly ready to ask Manchester United for Joshua Zirkzee in January, if their first choice Gustavo Varela of Monza falls through. The Partenopei have made no secret of the fact they will go back on the market mid-season to reinforce the squad, especially with Lorenzo Lucca and Noa Lang on the way out. Their primary focus is strengthening the attack, where currently Rasmus Hojlund is practically the only centre-forward ready to play the big games. Zirkzee and Varela on Napoli list MONZA, ITALY – OCTOBER 19: Gustavo Varela of AC Monza celebrates with teammates after scoring his team’s second goal during the Serie A match between AC Monza and Cagliari Calcio at U-Power Stadium on October 19, 2026 in Monza, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images) Varela has caught their eye after an impressive start to his Serie A career at Monza, scoring nine goals in just 10 top flight matches. However, Napoli are by no means the only club interested in the 21-year-old, who is also on the radar of Juventus, Arsenal, Manchester United and more. MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 04: Joshua Zirkzee of Manchester United during the Premier League match between Manchester United and West Ham United at Old Trafford on December 04, 2025 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images) According to Sport Mediaset , their alternative is Zirkzee, a player who has been repeatedly linked with a return to Serie A after his experience with Bologna. Manchester United paid over €42.5m to buy the Netherlands international from Bologna in 2024, but he has struggled for regular playing time at Old Trafford. Zirkzee’s future may well be elsewhere now that Manchester United have sacked Michael Carrick and brought in Mauricio Pochettino.