Man Utd and Arsenal target plans to reject Premier League move

James Shearman

• Updated: 4 Apr 2024 14:37 BST
• 3 min read

Manchester United and Arsenal target Joshua Zirkzee has reportedly decided to reject a move to the Premier League.

The 22-year-old, who has excelled for fourth-place Bologna this season, is expected to leave for a bigger club this summer.

FootballTransfers exclusively revealed in January that both Man Utd and Arsenal were interested in signing him during the January window but that it would be impossible to prise him away that month.

READ MORE: Who is Joshua Zirkzee?

As well as the aforementioned Premier League clubs, former club Bayern Munich have also been linked with the forward, though he wishes to stay in Italy.

Indeed, La Gazzetta dello Sport are reporting that Zirkzee wants to sign for AC Milan.

Milan will lose Olivier Giroud to Los Angeles Football Club this summer and the Dutchman is seen as the ideal replacement.

Meanwhile, Zirkzee would benefit from not having to adapt to a new league and country as he continues his development.

The only sticking point is that Bologna are looking to receive a transfer fee in the region of €75 million for their top asset, which Milan will struggle to find.

Joshua Zirkzee in 2023-24

Zirkzee has emerged in 2023-24 as one of the most exciting young attackers in Europe, with 11 goals and six assists in all competitions.

He has been the key man for a Bologna team who have punched well above their weight under Thiago Motta, challenging for a Champions League place in Serie A.

Standing at 6ft 4in, Zirkzee is a giant of a striker who is an expert at holding up the ball and bringing others into play.

Although he is not limited to being a target man, as he is also excellent technically, boasting quick feet and able to move out of tight spaces.

Due to his blend of height, strength and technique, Dutchman Zirkzee has been compared by some to Sweden legend Zlatan Ibrahimovic.