Manchester United have been linked with Joshua Zirkzee for several months, and recent reports suggest they are making moves to secure his transfer this summer.
In March, Corriere dello Sport reported that Manchester United were highly interested in acquiring the striker, who has a €40 million release clause applicable only to his former club, Bayern Munich.
Last month, La Gazzetta Dello Sport disclosed that Bologna would demand a fee of £73 million from Manchester United for Zirkzee, referencing the similar amount paid by the club to sign Hojlund last year.
However, yesterday’s edition of the Milan-based publication provided conflicting and interesting updates.
Gazzetta Dello Sport now claims that the 23-year-old striker has an attractive €40 million release clause that is valid for all clubs. This clause will only be in effect from July 1st to July 15th.
While Bologna wishes to retain Zirkzee, there is significant interest from Italian clubs Milan and Juventus, as well as from Premier League teams like Manchester United and Arsenal, who have greater financial resources.
Gazzetta Dello Sport also states that Manchester United “have moved in time” and possess the financial capability to sign Zirkzee during the summer transfer window.
Zirkzee played in 34 Serie A matches for Bologna, scoring 11 goals and providing 5 assists, which contributed to the team’s qualification for the Champions League for the first time in 60 years.
Despite being included in the provisional squad for the Euros by Netherlands coach Ronald Koeman, Zirkzee was not selected in the final list revealed yesterday.