04 April 2024 , 15:20
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Manchester United and Arsenal target Joshua Zirkzee is understood to prefer a move to AC Milan and has told his agents to pave the way for his dream transfer.
The 22-year-old has impressed for Bologna this season with 10 goals and four assists in 28 matches, helping Bologna to fourth in Serie A and on track to qualify for the Champions League. However, the Dutchman is expected to move on and leave the club this summer, despite signing from Bayern Munich less than two years ago.
There is no shortage of interested parties for his signature with United, Arsenal and Juventus among the clubs linked with the talented forward. But according to Gazzetta dello Sport, Zirkzee's preference is Milan and he has instructed his representatives to figure out the proposed move.
The same report adds that Milan are preparing an offer which should be able to convince Bologna to sell their prized asset. It's said that the Rossoneri are considering a bid in the region of £42.9million and the full ownership of Alexis Saelemaekers, who has shone while on loan at Bologna this season.
Considering United paid £64m for Rasmus Hojlund from Atalanta, Bologna feel that Zirkzee is worth a similar amount. The Italian club also need to make as much profit from the £7.3m spent on the striker, as Bayern have a 40 per cent sell-on fee clause installed in his contract which he signed in August 2022.
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It would be a blow for United and Arsenal if Zirkzee does move to Milan, given the potential and current ability he has. The former Anderlecht loanee stands at 6"4 and is an excellent target man, though he does prefer to have another forward alongside him to make a dynamic and interchangeable front-two.
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Joshua Zirkzee could leave Bologna this summer (Getty Images)Speaking about his style, Zirkzee told Corriere della Sera in February: "I'm not a pure centre forward. I said a year ago that I liked playing with an attacking partner. But [Thiago] Motta transformed me into a 9 and a half. I'm not an [Marko] Arnautovic type, I like to come forward after playing the ball and help the team. And score goals."
"If you play on the street you often do it against older guys," he continued. "You have to find a way to protect yourself, develop more skills, you have to be faster, stronger, have better technique.
"You want to impress the big guys, earn their respect, show them who’s the best. And when you enter a real training centre, certain things stay with you and make the difference."