Multiple reports in the Italian press have indicated that Napoli has identified Manchester United striker Joshua Zirkzee as a primary target to replace the injured Romelu Lukaku, who sustained a serious injury during a friendly match against Olympiacos, sidelining him for nearly three months.

According to 'Football Italia', Napoli is considering several attacking options to compensate for Lukaku's absence, including Jean-Philippe Mateta from Crystal Palace, Artem Dovbyk from Roma, and Nikola Kristofic from Lecce. However, recent reports suggest that Zirkzee is the preferred choice of coach Antonio Conte.

Zirkzee, the Dutch striker, has begun his second season with Manchester United after transferring from Bologna in the summer of 2024 and is considered one of the standout young names in the striker position in the Premier League.

The report also clarified that Zirkzee is not the only Manchester United striker attracting interest from Serie A clubs, as the director of AC Milan confirmed interest in signing Danish striker Rasmus Hojlund during the current transfer window.