Bologna striker Joshua Zirkzee does not want to re-join Bayern Munich this summer but will listen to offers, amid transfer interest from Arsenal and Manchester United.
The Gunners and Red Devils have regularly scouted the 22-year-old this season as they vie for attacking reinforcements. Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta and his Manchester United rival Erik ten Hag both believe their respective sides need to land new firepower when the sales start.
Zirkzee has enjoyed a superb season in Serie A so far this term after hitting double digits for only the second time in his top-flight career. The Dutchman has scored 10 goals in 27 games and boasts a further four assists. Now, his efforts could yield a summer switch to a top team.
Zirkzee wants a Premier League transfer amid Arsenal and Manchester United’s interest
That is according to FC Inter News, which claims that Arsenal most recently scouted Zirkzee when he scored in Bologna’s 2-1 win at Lazio on February 18. Manchester United had scouts most recently watch the 6 ft 3 forward when he scored against Atalanta on March 3, as well.
But the Premier League rivals are not alone in eying the striker. Inter Milan sporting director Piero Ausilio has asked Bologna technical director Giovanni Sartori to keep him informed on all developments. Ausilio specifically asked Sartori, who is his friend, about Zirkzee’s market.
A return to Bayern Munich is one option as the Bundesliga giants enjoy an option to re-sign Zirkzee for €40m (£34m). But a return to Allianz Arena does not appeal to the Dutchman at present. Instead, Zirkzee wants a transfer to a ‘big’ club in Italy or from the Premier League.
Bayern Munich have an exclusive buy-back clause for Bologna striker Joshua Zirkzee
Arsenal’s interest in Zirkzee’s transfer has caught Bayern Munich’s attention given their buy-back clause. Calciomercato, which also cites interest from AC Milan, notes that Der FCB are seriously considering triggering their exclusive clause so that they control Zirkzee’s market.
Bayern Munich secured the clause when selling Zirkzee to Bologna for €8m (£7m) in August 2022. Der FCB would also get 50% of any fee the Rossoblu receive if he joins a different side in the future. So, TuttoMercatoWEB reports Bologna value Zirkzee at €50-60m (£43-51m).
Bologna believe Zirkzee is worth so much after scoring double digits for just the second time in his top-flight career. The Schiedam native Rossoblu boss Thiago Motta calls ‘special’ only did so on loan to Anderlecht in the 2021/22 Jupiler Pro League season with 15 in 32 outings.
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