Joshua Zirkzee prefers to remain in Serie A as Manchester United and AC Milan vie for the Bologna striker’s signature.
Following Anthony Martial’s departure, United are seeking a new forward and have several candidates, including Zirkzee, Jonathan David, whom Lille are willing to sell this summer, and Ivan Toney, who has a year left on his Brentford contract.
- Sami Khedira names the best player he’s ever seen
- Jose Mourinho names best young player in the world
- Fabregas fires warning to Gareth Southgate after leaving out Cole Palmer
Zirkzee is available due to a €40 million (£33.7m) release clause in his Bologna contract. AC Milan have made significant progress, agreeing to pay the release clause and personal terms with the striker.
However, Gazzetta dello Sport reports a stumbling block: AC Milan refuses to pay an additional €15 million (£12.6m) commission to Zirkzee’s representative, Kia Joorabchian.
Despite this, AC Milan remains the favorite to sign Zirkzee, who views another year in Serie A as crucial for his development.
United have inquired about Zirkzee but have not yet initiated talks with Bologna.
This month, Zirkzee had to cut short his holiday in Florida after a late call-up by the Netherlands for their Euro 2024 campaign.
The 23-year-old was on the bench for the Netherlands’ 2-1 win over Poland in their Group D opener on Sunday.
When asked about his future in an interview with Corriere Di Bologna only last month, Zirkzee said: ‘At the moment my head is only in Bologna.
‘I would choose the best for the club. I will only do what makes sense in my heart.’
