Bologna’s club manager Marco Di Vaio has confirmed that Bayern Munich have an advantage when it comes to the race to sign Joshua Zirkzee that is likely to erupt.
As has been well documented for some time now, AC Milan need to sign at least one striker – probably multiple – before the start of next season for a variety of different reasons. We reported that Zirkzee is one of the options being evaluated.
Marco Di Vaio – the club manager at Bologna – spoke during an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport (via Radio Rossonera) about the future of Zirkzee and the rumours of a release clause being present in his deal.
“How many phone calls have we received? None. And we wouldn’t answer anyway. Joshua is a nine and a half [a cross between a striker and a playmaker], yes, but he doesn’t resemble anyone: a unique player,” he said.
“Release clause? Valid only for Bayern [€40m], articulated. For the other clubs the price is open… in January our top players will not move.”
Zirkzee is not the only name that Bologna have who has been linked with Milan. Given that Stefano Pioli’s future continues to be the subject of speculation, there have been suggestions that the Rossoblu’s head coach Thiago Motta is being evaluated as a long-term replacement. Di Vaio spoke on the future of the ex-midfielder.
“Renewal? We see each other every day: we know what he would like, what ideas he has. We involve him in choices, always. Now is the time to cultivate what we are experiencing. And to maintain it. Through this path a future with Thiago can be born.
“The higher we are, the more possibilities we will have. I have already said that we would like to continue with him for a long time and I repeat it. What if we fear that a big name will come and take it? Fear not. We are happy and we are managing to do together what we failed to do in the past.
“This is a place where he can grow and continue to play his football: I think it is an important base for a good, young coach. I repeat: arriving in Europe can help us continue together.”
