Manchester United are in a four-way race with Arsenal, AC Milan and Juventus to sign Joshua Zirkzee this summer, according to Gazzetta dello Sport (page 13).
The Dutch striker registered 12 goals and seven assists for Bologna last season. He played a key role as the Serie A outfit qualified for the Champions League.
Despite this, Zirkzee has been tipped to pursue a bigger challenge. His £34 million release clause will be valid between July 1 and August 15.
Milan are pressing to land his signature alongside Juventus, but United and Arsenal could reportedly have the upper hand financially.
A transfer could depend on the player’s salary and agent commissions.
Zirkzee would be a good competitor for Hojlund
United need a new striker who can compete with Rasmus Hojlund next season. Zirkzee would be a good signing as he is only 22 and has plenty of room for improvement.
The Dutchman has caught the eye with his hold-up play, but he has also impressed with his distribution, dribbling skills and high pressing in the final third of the pitch.
These attributes suit manager Erik ten Hag’s style of play. Based on form and opposition, Zirkzee could be rotated with Hojlund next season.
Zirkzee is currently on £19,000 per week. United could easily persuade him with a sizeable increase. He could be placed in the same wage bracket as Hojlund at £85,000 per week.
United’s biggest competition could be the Gunners, who can match the player’s demands and the commission for his representative Kia Joorabchian.
The Red Devils must be proactive in their pursuit and find a verbal agreement with the player and his agent before the buy-out clause becomes active in July.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Capology.com.
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