Zirkzee gets transfer ultimatum that is make-or-break for Premier League sides

28 Jun 2024 18:30 BST
3 min read

Joshua Zirkzee, Arsenal, Man Utd, Bologna, 2023/24 — © IMAGO

Bologna have given Joshua Zirkzee an ultimatum in the hopes that his future can be resolved in the near future, with the likes of Arsenal and Manchester United ready to pounce.

Zirkzee is expected to leave Bologna this summer due to the presence of an appealing release clause in his contract worth a reported €40 million, however the Dutchman has yet to decide on his future, with no club having made a formal offer to Bologna as of yet.

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The 23-year-old is currently at Euro 2024 with the Netherlands but Bologna have reportedly pressured Zirkzee making a decision over his future before the end of this week, in order to be able to plan their own summer transfer business.

READ MORE: Euro 2024 top scorers

The player is believed to prefer to remain in Italy, with Milan one of the interested suitors in him, while he has also not ruled out remaining at Bologna.

STATS

34

Games
11

Goals
5

Assists

However, Italian paper Corriere dello Sport state that, while Bologna are hopeful he stays, a decision needs to be made imminently in order to avoid missing out on any potential replacements.

As quoted by The Peoples Person, the report states: “It is clear that a maximum limit must be set within which a decision must be made at all costs and this limit has finally been fixed (precisely). Also because Bologna has already ‘given’ from May to today.”

© IMAGO - Joshua Zirkzee is a wanted man this summer.

Man Utd will face Milan pressure to sign Zirkzee

Man Utd are thought to be the frontrunners for Zirkzee’s signature, with Erik ten Hag’s side said to be willing to pay the release clause, while the player’s agent Kia Joorabchian is reportedly willing to lower his agent fee to seal a move to Old Trafford for his client.

It is also thought that the impending appointment of legendary Dutch striker Ruud van Nistelrooy to Ten Hag’s coaching staff could help tip the scale in United’s favour.

United are hoping to sign Zirkzee to provide competition to Rasmus Hojlund, however their biggest competitors appear to be Milan, although the Serie A side are said to be seriously considering other options.

The likes of Tammy Abraham and Romelu Lukaku are thought to be on Milan’s shortlist and both players could prove more appealing than Zirkzee due to their lower price points.

Although United would not be likely to seal a deal for Zirkzee until July, Bologna are hoping their striker will communicate his intentions to the club in order for them to plan for life either with or without him going forward.