Napoli boss Antonio Conte has reportedly “approved” the signing of another Manchester United star after signing Scott McTominay in January.
The former Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur manager returns to football ahead of the 2024/25 season, joining Serie A giants Napoli.
Under Conte, Napoli were very busy in the summer transfer market, spending more than £20 million to sign Scotland international McTominay. Manchester United.
The 28-year-old has proven to be a good signing for Napoli, scoring four goals and assisting two in 14 appearances for the Italian side.
Now, Conte is reportedly open to another Manchester United raid as he is interested in signing the Netherlands international Joshua Zirkzee.
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The striker is United’s first signing of the summer, as they activated their £34m release clause to sign him from Serie A side Bologna.
Zirkzee has had a fantastic start to his time at Manchester United. He scored in his Premier League debut, helping the team defeat Fulham 1-0.
However, the 23-year-old has struggled this season and has been heavily criticized.
Zirkzee ended his 11-match Premier League goal drought by scoring twice in United’s 4-0 home win over Everton earlier this month, but he remains under pressure. This was reportedly one of the reasons former athletic director Dan Ashworth was fired.
The Red Devils are being linked with several potential upgrades and are reportedly in the market for a prolific striker. This could open the door for Zirkzee to return to Italy, with Napoli one of the clubs interested in him.
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A report in Italy claims that Conte has “given the green light” for Napoli to target Zirkzee “in January” after he “would have signed Zirkzee in the summer”.
Conte is said to have “approved Zirkzee’s arrival” as he “requested reinforcements” when the winter transfer window opens.
The Napoli boss has given the green light to Joshua Zirkzee’s arrival in the next winter transfer market season.
“The striker’s performances at Manchester United have been unconvincing and he is delighted to be back in Italy after impressing at Bologna last season.”
“Conte wanted to focus on Zirkzee this summer, but the cost was too high.”
Napoli are second in Serie A after 15 games, being overtaken by in-form Atalanta, who are unbeaten in 14 games in all competitions and have not lost since September. Conte’s side are currently two points adrift of the top of the table.
