According to a report by Italian outlet Gazzetta dello Sport, Joshua Zirkzee remains the subject of interest of AS Roma. The Serie A giants are keen on reinforcing their offensive unit by signing a versatile attacker in the winter transfer window. So, the 24-year-old Manchester United forward has emerged as a target for the Giallorossi.
However, the Dutchman is also a target for several other clubs, with Manchester United recently rejecting a swap offer for the player they value at around €35 million. So, AS Roma will keep all the options open in the market, with Tottenham Hotspur attacking prospect Mathys Tel emerging as an alternative to Zirkzee.
Mathys Tel has endured a topsy-turvy ride since joining Tottenham Hotspur from Bayern Munich. A native of Sarcelles, the Frenchman spent most of his formative years in his homeland and graduated from the youth division at Stade Rennais. However, the 20-year-old could not establish a foothold at Bayern Munich after moving to the Allianz Arena in July 2022.
Tottenham finally handed an escape route to Tel in February 2025, initially completing a loan deal before sealing a permanent move this past summer. However, the French attacker has yet to become a regular starter for Tottenham, managing only 359 minutes of game time in 11 outings thus far in the 2025/26 season while chipping in with two goals. Meanwhile, the youngster’s stock in the market is high, with AS Roma among the prospective suitors vying for his signature.
AS Roma’s interest in Mathys Tel is understandable. The Serie A giants are scouring the market for a productive and versatile attacker heading into the winter transfer window, as they are struggling with an injury crisis. Leon Bailey, Paulo Dybala, Artem Dovbyk, and Evan Ferguson are in the treatment room, leaving AS Roma in a spot of bother.
So, Gian Piero Gasperini wants an attacker who can fulfil multiple roles in the final third. Joshua Zirkzee has thus emerged as AS Roma’s top target, with widespread reports claiming they are in pole position to secure his services. However, Manchester United’s asking price of €35 million and the stiff competition for his signature have forced the Italian club to consider alternatives.
Tel has thus emerged as an alternative, with AS Roma considering a winter move for the 20-year-old French attacker. It will be interesting to see what the future holds for the Tottenham attacker and the North London club’s stance on his future.
