Manchester United join the race to sign Dutch Striker Joshua Zirkzee

Manchester United are in the race to sign a potential deal to sign Dutch striker Joshua Zirkzee from Bologna who has a £34m release clause according to a report by Sky Sports. While negotiations between the clubs have yet to start, Manchester United has engaged in advanced discussions with the 23-year-old’s representatives.

Manchester United, under manager Erik ten Hag, are evaluating Zirkzee among a host of candidates to reinforce their forward line alongside Rasmus Hojlund who they signed last season from Atlanta. The Dutch forward’s release clause of £34 million could simplify the transfer but they face competition from Arsenal and AC Milan, who are also monitoring the striker.

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Zirkzee, who recently earned a call-up to the senior squad for the EURO 2024, is attracting significant interest after a brilliant 2023-24 campaign with Bologna. The Dutch forward has had an excellent season at Bologna, netting 11 goals and providing five assists in the Serie A under the manager, Thiago Motta, who has since joined Juventus as their manager ahead of the 2024/25 campaign. Zirkzee’s performances were instrumental in Bologna securing their Champions League qualification for the first time.

Having begun his career at Feyenoord's academy, Zirkzee moved to Bayern Munich at 16, where he had loan spells at Parma and Anderlecht before joining Bologna in 2022. Since then, Zirkzee has proven his talents in the Serie A.

Manchester United have expressed clear interest in the Dutch forward, identifying him as their primary target for their summer window. However, it is understood that AC Milan is at an advanced stage of negotiations with the player’s camp. With two years remaining on his current contract, Zirkzee is considering his options as the transfer window continues.

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