Arsenal now lead Man Utd for ‘special’ target’s £51.5m transfer thanks to his agent

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Arsenal now lead Manchester United and further Premier League rivals in the race for the transfer of Joshua Zirkzee through their relationship with the Bologna ace’s agent.

The 22-year-old has emerged as a hot topic for several sides all across Europe amid a strong season in Italy. Zirkzee has caught the eye of many talent spotters after scoring 10 goals and assisting another six in 27 games. He has also offered nine and four over 24 Serie A games.

Zirkzee has exploded in front of the net under manager Thiago Motta this term, having only scored two and assisted two goals in 21 games last season. He has further started in 24 of I Rossoblu’s fixtures so far in the current campaign after opening just six matches in 2022/23.

Arsenal lead the Premier League pack pursuing Joshua Zirkzee’s transfer

What Zirkzee has shown this season is also tempting Bologna to increase their asking price, with Arsenal and AC Milan among his many suitors for a transfer this summer, according to TuttoMercatoWEB. He is guiding the Emilia Romagna club’s dreams of qualifying for Europe.

Bologna currently value the former Netherlands U21 international at around €50-60m (£43-51.5m). They have fixed their price in that region for now as I Rossoblu will also owe Bayern Munich 50% of any profit made on his €8m (£7m) move from Der FCB back in August 2022.

Additionally, Bayern Munich can re-sign Zirkzee this year for €40m (£34m) with an exclusive clause from his switch in 2022. But Premier League teams are ready to make Bologna offers for Zirkzee’s transfer with Arsenal at the front of the queue, much to AC Milan’s frustrations.

Manchester United, Liverpool and Man City admire the Bologna striker

Arsenal lead the Premier League pack as the Gunners have an excellent relationship with his agent, Kia Joorabchian. But Florian Plettenberg has also noted that Manchester United have contacted his representatives to explore the possibilities for Zirkzee’s transfer from Bologna.

Manchester United have analysed Zirkzee’s performances closely but are not yet making any concrete advances for his services. Yet their stance is leaving the door ajar for Liverpool and Manchester City to show an interest with both clubs also admirers, according to the Express.

But Arsenal are at the front of the queue to bring Zirkzee, who Bologna boss Motta believes is a ‘special’ striker and even ‘reminds me of Ronaldinho’, to England. Reports from Corriere dello Sport in January claimed Arsenal are ready to ‘guarantee’ Bologna a fee for his transfer.