Gasperini targets Zirkzee and Malen pairing for Roma's summer window
Transfer News·22 May 2026·1h ago

Gasperini targets Zirkzee and Malen pairing for Roma's summer window

Source: Forza Roma

Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini is planning to strengthen Roma's attack by pursuing both Joshua Zirkzee and Donyell Malen as a combined package for the summer transfer window. Zirkzee, currently at Manchester United, has remained on Roma's radar despite a failed January move that collapsed following Erik ten Hag's departure and Michael Carrick's appointment. The club believes a fresh attempt is viable in the coming weeks, particularly if Roma secure Champions League qualification.

Roma's hierarchy recognizes the need to provide Gasperini with a deeper, more complete squad featuring improved offensive quality. Zirkzee appeals for his versatility—he can operate alongside Malen or function as a creative center-forward, offering tactical flexibility similar to Gasperini's preferred formations at Bergamo, where he frequently deployed two attacking players with a supporting playmaker. The two Dutch players would form what the club describes as an 'Orange' partnership.

Zirkzee's Manchester United move has proven underwhelming, with the forward managing only 629 minutes of action this season. Roma estimates a deal could be completed for €20–25 million, a fee United cannot demand given his limited playing time and overall disappointing campaign. Closing this transfer will depend on Roma's summer budget allocation and their ability to meet both players' availability.

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Testo Originale / Source Text

Machine-scraped Italian — paste into Google Translate for a full read.

L'attaccante dello United rimane uno dei nomi in cima alla lista per rinforzare l'attacco. E ora il tecnico vuole il duo 'Orange' Redazione 22 maggio - 17:06 Roma, la lungimiranza di una scelta che può portare lontano "In nazionale olandese gioca Malen, non Zirkzee...". E se è vero che Gasperini qualche mese fa aveva gelato tutti con queste parole post-conferenza, la realtà è che ora il tecnico sogna di avere entrambi a Trigoria. Stavolta per formare una coppia tutta 'Orange'. Come riporta La Gazzetta dello Sport, la Roma in questi mesi non ha mai davvero mollato la pista che porta all'attaccante del Manchester United e - anzi - starebbe preparando un nuovo assalto nei mesi estivi. Un affare che a gennaio sembrava praticamente chiuso, saltato a causa dell'esonero a sorpresa di Amorim e la successiva firma di Michael Carrick. Una storia che non ha avuto ancora un lieto fine, ma che può di certo riaprirsi nelle prossime settimane - a maggior ragione in caso di qualificazione in Champions. Scegli tu cosa leggere: metti Forzaroma tra le tue fonti Google Il club giallorosso sa di dover consegnare a Gasperini una rosa più lunga, più completa e soprattutto con maggiore qualità offensiva. Per questo il nome di Joshua Zirkzee rimane in cima alla lista anche per la sua duttilità: potrebbe giocare sia in coppia con Malen o anche al posto dell'ex Aston Villa come centravanti di manovra. Le caratteristiche sono ben diverse, ma in una stagione con 3 competizioni possono di certo far comodo (ricordando che Gasp a Bergamo ha schierato spesso una coppia di attaccanti con un trequartista alle spalle, soluzione vista anche nel corso di questa stagione). Missione difficile ma non impossibile. Con 20-25 milioni di euro si può chiudere con lo United che non può chiedere cifre così elevate: l'olandese viene da una stagione opaca e con pochissimi minuti giocati (solo 629 in totale). © RIPRODUZIONE RISERVATA Commenta Continua la lettura Commenti Invia Commento Tutti Leggi altri commenti

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