AC Milan are the team who are leading the race to sign Joshua Zirkzee from Bologna over competition from the Premier League, according to a report.
Zirkzee has been one of the revelations in Serie A this season as he just moved into double figures in goals, and he has been the spearhead of a Bologna side looking to make history with Champions League qualification.
Milan would be able to offer the Dutchman an immediate starting role in the team, given their need to invest in a new centre-forward. With Olivier Giroud leaving for LAFC, Luka Jovic will be the only recognised striker at the club and Zirkzee would certainly start ahead of the Serbian.
Now, Matteo Moretto has given an update on Zirkzee’s future in his latest column for CaughtOffside’s Daily Briefing, and he has some interesting things to say about Milan’s pursuit.
“In terms of Joshua Zirkzee, he remains the number one target for Milan, there are frequent contacts, and it is not something that started in February and has gone quiet, they are working on it. That is the one concrete interest that we have in terms of Zirkzee, and as it stands, they have to be leading the race,” he said.
“Currently Milan are focused on sorting out the managerial situation, but Zirkzee is their top target, and the contacts are regular. In Italy, Inter and Juventus have been linked by other outlets, but it is Milan who have made movements. Zirkzee is very, very attracted by Milan, they have history, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and a project for him.
“With the Arsenal links, basically Zirkzee’s agent Kia Joorabchian has a very strong relationship with Arsenal, so no doubt, there have been talks about him. But so far, it hasn’t gone beyond that.”
The structure of the operation remains unknown, but Milan do have Alexis Saelemaekers on loan at Bologna and he has been playing well, so he could be included as a counterpart to give an extra edge.
Buy Zirk, but bring back Salad as backup to Chuk and move Puli to the middle. I wouldn’t see any real reason to change Leao/Puli/Chuk going into next season.
We need an alternative AM. RLC ain’t it. He needs to play. Box to box. This way we can interchange Puli and Chuk.
Hard no on Alexis for me. He has only 4-5 good games a season.
Depends on whose the next coach but I kinda like it
How tf could Milan have an edge because of Saladmaker haha this guy is probably valued at something like 5M and Bologna would do us a favor if they keep him
I bet it’ll be an offer like 20 millions + 10 in bonuses + Saelemaekers
Sure, after paying €20 million each for no names like Musah and Chukwueze, Milan are only going to offer €20 million for one of the standout players in the league. They’ll bid at least €40 million + millions more in bonuses.
His idol are ibra but that wont matter as long as ACM dont offer 40m euro minimum + saladmaker to bologna . Also if JZ failed to ACM , i hope ACM offer 10m euro + saladmaker for calafiori to bologna . ACM must avoid saladmaker back as unhappy player ( become bench player for pulisic or calabria)
They wont sign zirkzee. Too expensive. Milan have no moneyyy… They will sign lopotegui as coach only for youngster not for star players. Mark my words