Napoli Consider Zirkzee as Monza’s Varela Falters

Napoli are reportedly prepared to request Joshua Zirkzee from Manchester United in January, contingent upon their primary target, Gustavo Varela of Monza, failing to materialize.

The Partenopei have been transparent about their intention to return to the transfer market during the season to bolster the squad, particularly given the impending departures of Lorenzo Lucca and Noa Lang.

Their main objective is to enhance the attacking line, where Rasmus Hojlund currently stands as the sole centre-forward deemed capable of performing in high-stakes matches.

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 attracted their attention following a strong start to his Serie A career at Monza, netting nine goals in just 10 top-flight appearances.

Nevertheless, Napoli are not the sole club pursuing the 21-year-old, who is also being monitored by Juventus, Arsenal, Manchester United, and others.

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 option is Zirkzee, a player who has frequently been linked with a return to Serie A following his tenure with Bologna.

Manchester United paid over €42.5m to acquire the Netherlands international from Bologna in 2024, but he has found it difficult to secure regular playing time at Old Trafford.

Zirkzee’s future may well lie elsewhere now that Manchester United have dismissed Michael Carrick and appointed Mauricio Pochettino.