- 10 hours ago
Man Utd and Arsenal fight for €40m ‘Dutch Ibrahimovic’
Carlo Garganese
- 16 Jan 2024 02:17 CST
- 3 min read
Manchester United and Arsenal are fighting it out for the signing of Bologna striker Joshua Zirkzee, according to multiple sources.
However, a transfer in the summer is very possible as Bologna accept it will be difficult to keep hold of a striker who has exploded in Serie A this season.
READ MORE: Who is Joshua Zirkzee?
The Daily Telegraph add that Zirkzee is one of Arsenal’s targets for the summer, also.
Both Man Utd and Arsenal are looking to strengthen their attacking department in 2024.
Signing a top number nine is a key priority for Arsenal, in particular, and they also have Victor Osimhen, Dusan Vlahovic and Ivan Toney on their shortlist.
Zirkzee in 2023-24
Zirkzee has emerged in 2023-24 as one of the most exciting young attackers in Europe.
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.
Zirkzee, who has a reported €40 million release clause at Bologna (although this is not confirmed), has scored seven goals and delivered two assists this season.
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.
Due to his blend of height, strength and technique, Dutchman Zirkzee has been compared by some to Sweden legend Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
Zirkzee has caused problems to some of the biggest teams in Serie A this season. He scored a wonderful equaliser at San Siro to earn Bologna a 2-2 draw against Inter, while he was man of the match in the 1-1 draw at Juventus - making the assist for Lewis Ferguson’s goal.
His ex-club Bayern Munich possess a buyback clause in his contract.
