Zirkzee transfer latest: Man Utd development in race for Arsenal target

Robin Bairner

• 6 Mar 2024 09:39 GMT
• 2 min read

Manchester United are taking steps forward towards signing a centre-forward in the summer, with the Red Devils getting primed to raid Serie A for Bologna striker Joshua Zirkzee as support to Rasmus Hojlund.

On Sunday, the Red Devils sent scouts to watched Zirkzee play against Atalanta, according to Tuttosport.

The Dutchman has recently received his first call for the Netherlands international team and scored his 11th goal of the season under the view of the watching Man Utd representatives.

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With his side trailing 1-0, Zirkzee cooly converted a penalty that sparked a comeback 2-1 victory that leaves Bologna fourth in the Serie A standings.

Although the nature of the former Bayern Munich youngster’s finish was routine from 12 yards, it had been a clever flick to Alexis Saelemaekers that was vital in the winning of the foul that created the opportunity.

It was a moment that underlined that Zirkzee is not purely a goal scorer but is a No.9 who can link play.

Arsenal provide Man Utd competition

FootballCritic rated his overall performance in the match as a 7.0, which was third strongest on the Bologna team behind captain Lewis Ferguson, who scored the winning goal with a smart volley from the edge of the box, and centre-back Riccardo Calafiori.

Data analytics firm SciSports believes that the 22-year-old has the capability to become a key player at Man Utd, meanwhile.

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Actually completing the signing of the forward, though, promises to be testing.

Arsenal are currently monitoring the striker, with Mikel Arteta’s side eager for more firepower in their squad. Gazzetta dello Sport indicates that the Gunners are still interested in the player, who is valued at €80 million by Bologna but only has an Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) of €21.6m.

Zirkzee would seem to fit in as a replacement forward either at Man Utd or with the Gunners, giving him a chance to develop as an understudy to either Hojlund or Gabriel Jesus.