Both Manchester United and Arsenal have shown interest in Bologna attacker Joshua Zirkzee this summer. According to David Ornstein of The Athletic, United are in contact with the representation of the 23-year-old, even if the clubs haven’t formally begun negotiations. Zirkzee is one of the forwards who Manchester United are pursuing in an effort to strengthen Erik ten Hag’s attacking options after Anthony Martial’s free transfer departure. The striker is an attractive and maybe easy acquisition for the Serie A club due to his £34 million buyout clause. When his salary and agency fees are included in, however, the situation becomes more complicated.
Former Bayern Munich player Joshua Zirkzee had a breakout season for Bologna under coach Thiago Motta. His eleven goals and five assists were crucial to Bologna’s historic Champions League qualifying. After manager Ronald Koeman summoned him up to the national squad as an injury substitute, Zirkzee is now participating in Euro 2024 with the Netherlands. According to reports, Arsenal is also contemplating meeting Bologna’s No. 9’s £34 million release clause. Following Benjamin Sesko’s decision to remain at RB Leipzig, their interest in Zirkzee intensified. Last season, Zirkzee was a vital component of Bologna’s success, earning parallels to Arsenal great Dennis Bergkamp for his 12-goal, seven-assist effort in 37 games.
In their pursuit of Zirkzee’s signature, the Gunners are up against formidable opponents and time is of the essence. The 23-year-old’s camp has reportedly advised Arsenal to make a deal quickly, according to esteemed journalist Dean Jones of the Ranks FC Ultras Podcast. A transfer inside Serie A is imminent, according to Jones. Middlemen have already contacted Chelsea, Manchester United, and Arsenal to warn them to move swiftly.
Arsenal Target To Be Snatched By Manchester United For £40m
In this case, the competition for Joshua Zirkzee’s signature is fierce. The youthful striker is seen as a potential asset to both Manchester United and Arsenal’s sides. Negotiations are becoming more difficult as they take into account the financial ramifications and the player’s present obligations at Euro 2024. Zirkzee’s rise through the ranks at Bayern Munich and his subsequent success in Serie A are testaments to his talent and promise. His impressive play as of late has put him in the conversation of Europe’s brightest young football prospects. His future in Serie A with another Italian team, or his availability to Manchester United or Arsenal, will be decided in the next weeks. Teams will be vying for star players like Joshua Zirkzee during this transfer window, so be ready for some exciting strategy moves.
Jones quoted, “Last week I was told that intermediaries have been in touch with Manchester United, Arsenal, and Chelsea, and they were told that if you’re going to move for him, you have to do it now because we’re close to this move to stay inside Serie A. That was sort of a final warning; if you want to get in on this, you have to go now.”