Arsenal beaten in race for ‘Dutch Zlatan’

Carlo Garganese

• Updated: 9 Jun 2024 11:15 BST
• 3 min read

AC Milan have beaten Arsenal in the race to sign Bologna star Joshua Zirkzee.

That is according to multiple outlets in Italy, with Sky Sport, Sportitalia and MilanNews.it among the media groups who confirm that Zirkzee is set to join Milan.

Milan and Arsenal have been the two main teams fighting for the signature of Zirkzee, who had a breakout season for Bologna this season.

READ MORE: Who is Joshua Zirkzee?

Milan will pay the €40 million release clause in Zirkzee’s Bologna contract.

The one aspect that has held up the deal being completed is the commission requested from Zirkzee’s agent Kia Joorabchian.

Joorabchian has allegedly been demanding €15m but Sky Sport report that Milan are close to getting that down to a fee of €10m which they would be prepared to pay.

READ MORE: Arsenal get GREEN LIGHT for three players Arteta loves

Milan transfer chief Geoffrey Moncada flew to London to meet Joorabchian to finalise the last details of the deal.

Zirkzee will replace Olivier Giroud, who leaves Milan on a free transfer to join LAFC.

Zirkzee in 2023-24

Zirkzee led Bologna to a shock qualification into next season’s Champions League.

Likened to Sweden legend Zlatan Ibrahimovic, he delivered 12 goals and seven assists in all competitions as Bologna finished fifth in Serie A.

He was the key man for a Bologna team who have well above their weight under Thiago Motta to qualify for the Champions League.

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

He is strong at protecting the ball with his back to play, but he is also excellent technically, boasting quick feet and able to move out of tight spaces.