According to reports in Italy, Bologna striker Joshua Zirkzee would ‘prefer’ to stay in Serie A and is interested in joining Milan. The Rossoneri are reportedly preparing to make an opening bid for the player, who is also a target for Arsenal and Manchester United.
Zirkzee has been in fine form this season, scoring ten goals and providing four assists in 28 Serie A matches. Bologna, managed by Thiago Motta, are on track to secure Champions League qualification for the first time in the club’s history.
In January, 90min reported that Zirkzee’s performances had caught the attention of top European clubs, including Arsenal and United.
However, Milan are said to have identified Zirkzee as their top striker target and are willing to offer €50m (£43m) plus Alexis Saelemaekers to secure his services.
Bologna is holding out for a higher fee, citing the €75m (£64m) United paid to sign Rasmus Hojlund from Atalanta last summer as a benchmark.
Although Zirkzee is keen on a move to San Siro, Milan is reluctant to pay a high price for a young forward, especially after spending a significant sum on Charles De Ketelaere in 2022.
Bayern Munich, where Zirkzee started his career and made 17 senior appearances before joining Bologna in 2022, is also considering a move for the striker. However, Zirkzee is not eager to return to the Allianz Arena and play second fiddle to Harry Kane.
Arsenal and United are still in the running for Zirkzee, and Gazzetta points out that the financial power of Premier League clubs could complicate Milan’s pursuit if Bologna turns it into an auction.
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