'Dutch Ibrahimovic' will 'move soon' as Arsenal and Man Utd circle

Tom Weber

• Updated: 19 Jan 2024 21:30 GMT
• 3 min read

Joshua Zirkzee is expected to be on the 'move' soon, according to an Italian transfer expert.

The Bologna striker has been in outstanding form for Thiago Motta's high-flying side, notching seven goals and two assists in 19 games so far this season. The towering Dutchman, who has drawn comparisons to Zlatan Ibrahimovic due to his height of 193cm (6ft 4in), is finally living up to the potential he showed as a youngster at Bayern.

The Bavarians have a €25 million buy-back option, 50 per cent of his €50m release clause, but it is thought that the Bavarians are not considering bringing Zirkzee back, paving the way for other interested clubs such as Arsenal and Manchester United.

FootballTransfers exclusively revealed last week that Bologna have absolutely no intention of letting Zirkzee walk in January and that Arsenal will likely be snubbed despite their great relationship with his agent Kia Joorabchian. Man Utd, meanwhile, don't have the Financial Fair Play wiggle room to pursue a deal.

In the summer, however, it could be a different story, and in fact, it will be a different story, according to Gianluca di Marzio.

Zirkzee will be on the move

The Italian transfer expert spoke to SoccerNews about Zirkzee and expressed his belief that it is only a matter of time before the 22-year-old will leave Bologna. “Is his market value €35m? No, I think it is more," he said.

"He has a release clause in his contract worth €50m. And Bayern Munich have the option to bring him back for 50 per cent of that amount. He is a key target for AC Milan, and I think he will soon move to an Italian top club or maybe the Premier League.”

“He is so strong and has so many qualities. In Serie A, he is the striker who leaves the best impression in Italy after Lautaro Martínez. Thiago Motta is on a list to become the coach of Milan, and Motta and Zirkzee have been in contact; maybe he will take him with him if he joins Milan."