Juventus technical director Cristiano Giuntoli has dismissed speculation linking the Serie A giants with a move for 23-year-old Manchester United striker Joshua Zirkzee.
Zirkzee has struggled to settle into life at Old Trafford and recent reports suggested that the Dutchman is already considering an exit despite only joining over the summer, with Juventus touted as one of the clubs most interested in acquiring his services.
According to rumors, Zirkzee is eager to reunite with former Bologna manager Thiago Motta, now in charge of the Bianconeri. The forward flourished under Motta, scoring 11 goals in Serie A last season and helping the club secure Champions League qualification.
Zirkzee’s impressive performances caught the attention of United, who splashed £36.5m to land the Netherlands international. However, he has struggled to find his footing in English football since his arrival.
After a promising Premier League debut performance, where he came off the bench against Fulham to score United’s winner, Zirkzee’s next best outing for the Red Devils came in a 4-0 hammering of Everton with his brace in that game overshadowing a largely underwhelming display.
When asked about the rumors linking Zirkzee to Juventus ahead of the January transfer window, director Cristiano Giuntoli remained reserved about the club’s plans, emphasizing their commitment to injured striker Arkadiusz Milik.
“We are waiting for Milik,” said Giuntoli. “I can just say that Zirkzee is a very good player but he’s under contract at Man Utd. I can’t add more now, we’re focusing on completely different things now.”
Where Zirkzee will end up after the January transfer window remains to be seen. Whether at United or Juventus, the Dutchman desperately needs to regain that red-hot form which made him one of the most wanted young strikers across Europe.
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