ROMA TURN ATTENTION TOWARD ZIRKZEE AS STRIKER LINE CONTINUES MISFIRING
Roma's attack remains a concern. With expensive strikers Ferguson & Dovbyk misfiring, a January move for Man Utd's Joshua Zirkzee is on the cards as Roma and Milan battle for his signature.
Roma respond to striker struggles by targeting Zirkzee this January - Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images
The more optimistic among us would argue that Roma's faltering assault is beginning to take shape after two two-nil victories over Rangers and Udinese before the international break. Due to injuries, Gian Piero Gasperini has been experimenting with various false-nine formations in recent games. He even went so far as to play Tommaso Baldanzi, who is rarely utilised, in that capacity during the team's victory against Udinese last weekend.
While that is all well and good (and presumably an indication of Gasperini's increasing faith in CdT favourite Baldanzi), two respectable games will not be enough to erase the stench that has pervaded the team's assault for the previous three months. Given the lack of output from forwards Artem Dobvyk and Evan Ferguson, who together cost €80 million (including Ferguson's option), Roma manager Frederic Massara might be forced to look for answers in the January transfer window.
Joshua Zirkzee, a striker and attacking midfielder for Manchester United, is the name that everyone is talking about. The 24-year-old Dutchman used his season with Bologna, in which he scored 11 goals and provided four assists, to secure a €42.5 million move to the Theatre of Dreams in 2024. However, Zirkzee's 54 appearances across all competitions, 7 goals and 2 assists have been more of a nightmare (sorry, I had to) since moving to Old Trafford.
Zirkzee is apparently anxious to earn more playing time to guarantee a spot on the Netherlands roster this summer, much like many other would-be star players who find themselves unexpectedly benched during a World Cup year. Numerous Italian sources claim that Zirkzee is considering a return to Serie A, and that Milan and Roma are preparing to compete for his services.
Let us hope that Zirkzee is fascinated by Gasperini's track record with attacking players, as this may be the boost Zirkzee needs to make it to the World Cup this summer. This will not be an easy chase, as both teams are in the middle of a five-team competition at the top of the league.
MANUEL AKANJI DROPS HINT ABOUT FUTURE: INTER MILAN REMAINS TOP DESIRE
Manuel Akanji hopes to make his Inter loan permanent, stating he "would love to stay." The defender has settled in quickly, becoming a key part of their defence and helping them top the Serie A table.
Akanji Confirms Interest in Staying at Inter Forever - Photo Credit: Getty Images
According to Manuel Akanji, he has adapted to life at Inter rather well and intends to stay after this season.
The Swiss centre-back joined the Nerazzurri in the summer while on loan from Manchester City, and he has since established himself as a vital member of Cristian Chivu's defence.
He agreed to a loan with a buyout option that may become mandatory under specific circumstances, but this will not be necessary because the Nerazzurri are intent on signing him long-term regardless.
Using remarks from CalcioMercato, Akanji told Blick from Switzerland's training camp prior to their World Cup qualifying matches against Sweden and Kosovo:
"I feel fantastic. Organising things for the kids was the most difficult aspect of settling in, but we are now at ease. Although Italian football differs slightly from English football, I have adjusted rather well, and playing frequently helps. We are at the top of the standings, and we want to stay there. And the team gave me a warm welcome.
A permanent stay appears quite likely because Akanji's loan is slated to expire in June 2026 and includes a €15 million buyout obligation once specific requirements are fulfilled.
"I planned a farewell meal when I left Manchester City, and it was extremely great," he continued. Although I have not had a chance to bid farewell to every employee yet, I am not sure what will transpire come summertime. Right now, I would really like to remain at Inter.
DEAL IN DOUBT: JUVENTUS TO REVISIT DUSAN VLAHOVIC’S CONTRACT SITUATION SOON
Dusan Vlahovic and Juventus have a "pact" to continue together until the season's end, postponing contract talks. His long-term future depends on his performance and Juventus's Champions League qualification.
Vlahović Seek Clarity on Contract - Photo Credit: Getty Images
Although Dusan Vlahovic's future at Juventus is still up in the air, there is now some clarity regarding the near future after the striker and the team came to what new CEO Damien Comolli called a "pact" to stay together until the end of the current campaign.
Both parties decided to delay contract negotiations until next summer, when Juventus will have a better understanding of their chances of qualifying for the Champions League, according to Tuttosport, via IlBianconero.
It is hoped that Vlahovic will also have a better understanding of his market possibilities.
Contract negotiations come to a standstill as Vlahovic regains his form at Juventus.
With six Serie A goals, the Serbian forward has returned the club's faith and established himself as a consistent contributor to the Bianconeri attack. He withstood pressure to depart during the summer.
Negotiations for a new agreement are still challenging, though.
Juventus is hesitant to pay more than €8 million a season, as some Bianconeri cannot afford to keep paying Vlahovic what he now makes, as he is the highest-paid player in Serie A.
For the time being, Vlahovic's long-term prospects will be determined by his performances.
Aware of his increasing significance and leadership role in the team, the forward is calm and self-assured in Turin. He must, however, demonstrate his worth on the field between now and June to receive a new contract. Given the former Fiorentina player's past unreliability and injury history, club officials believe that such an investment is too risky.