Manchester United have been running the rule over Joshua Zirkzee ahead of potentially attempting to lure him away from Bologna
Numerous teams are interested in Joshua Zirkzee, and Fabrizio Romano, a transfer expert, exclusively told GIVEMESPORT that Manchester United could try to entice the Bologna star to Old Trafford by waiting until the summer, thereby taking advantage of a release clause.
Despite completing the £72 million signing of Rasmus Hojlund from Atalanta in the summer, the Red Devils are now 11 points out of the Premier League’s top four and face a real chance of missing out on the Champions League. As a result, manager Erik ten Hag is searching the market for new attacking options.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe sealed a £1.3 billion deal over the Christmas break to secure a 25% stake in Manchester United, ushering in a new era for the team. Zirkzee is one of the players being linked to becoming the first since INEOS took over football operations.
Red Devils open talks over Zirkzee swoop
According to Florian Plettenberg of Sky Sports Germany, Manchester United has conducted preliminary talks about pursuing Zirkzee after he became a top target in the winter transfer window. However, they will have to contend with competition from a number of other teams.
Although the 22-year-old was allowed to join Bologna less than 18 months ago, despite scoring four goals in 17 appearances during his time with the Bavarians, the reputable reporter claims that current Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich are among the teams keeping an eye on him. However, a return to Allianz Arena is not currently planned.
Ratcliffe and INEOS are reportedly in support of Manchester United’s interest, but Zirkzee’s outstanding play—which has led to a higher strike rate than Hojlund—has caused Premier League rivals Arsenal to keep an eye on his development before making a move to add even more threat to the attacking third of the field.
The striker has become a legitimate target for ten Hag, according to reliable writer Ben Jacobs, who recently spoke with GIVEMESPORT. As a result, the Red Devils have started talks with Bologna before perhaps trying their resolve with an initial offer.
Zirkzee’s current employers are expected to make a significant profit as he is now valued at £50 million despite only costing £7 million when he joined the Serie A outfit from Bayern. Manchester United and other suitors are expected to continue tracking him for the remainder of the campaign before making their move in the summer.
Despite Ratcliffe’s investment, the Red Devils are unable to spend big money before the transfer window closes, so ten Hag is forced to hunt for loan additions. This has made it challenging to raid the 19-cap Netherlands under-21 international in the early months of 2024.
Fabrizio Romano – Man United have been monitoring Zirkzee’s performances
Romano is aware that if Manchester United is willing to wait until the summer transfer window to activate Zirkzee’s £34 million release clause, they may be able to sign him for less than his current asking price. However, that means they also run the risk of Bayern Munich signing him before them because they will only need to pay half of that amount.
The Italian writer knows that Arsenal and AC Milan have also been keeping an eye on the Dutchman’s play in anticipation of maybe trying to pry him away from Bologna, but despite the transfer deadline approaching, none of his pursuers have made a formal offer.
