Manchester United and Arsenal could lead the pack for Joshua Zirkzee in the summer as the Dutchman could leave Bologna.
According to Corriere di Bologna via Sport Witness, Manchester United and Arsenal could position themselves ahead in the race for Joshua Zirkzee. Despite rumours of a winter move, the 22-year-old attacker is likely to leave Bologna in the summer, while his contractual clauses could see a price rise.
Are Manchester United and Arsenal leading Joshua Zirkzee in the race?
The report goes on to mention that Manchester United and Arsenal hold concrete interest in Joshua Zirkzee. However, with the striker ready to stay at Bologna for the remainder of the season, the Premier League giants could put themselves in the front season when the summer window opens.
Arsenal have an interest in Zirkzee as he’s one of the many names considered by Mikel Arteta in this window and for the next. The Gunners are eager to bring a goalscoring presence to their side, but the numbers of the 22-year-old attacker suggest a very similar pattern to their current forwards.
Hence, while they maintain interest, there is a chance that Arsenal will go for a striker like Victor Osimhen, who will elevate their level in the attacking third. Manchester United are eager to bring in a new attacker to complement the likes of Rasmus Hojlund and improve their overall prowess in the final third.
Manchester United reportedly wanted Zirkzee in this window, but FFP restrictions have played a big part in keeping them and many other clubs quiet in January. However, in the summer, things will be a lot different, meaning a move for Zirkzee will be on the cards.
Could Zirkzee’s contract clauses increase his price?
Bayern Munich included a variety of complex clauses in Zirkzee’s contract when they sold him to Bologna. For starters, they have a reported buy-back clause worth €40 million, while they also hold a 50% sell-on clause in their deal.
Bologna considers that as a bargaining chip despite the fact that Bayern are not likely to pursue a deal for Zirkzee despite showing interest earlier this month. Hence, the Serie A side could demand a significant fee to sell the 22-year-old attacker, especially to Premier League sides.
Hence, the contractual clauses in Zirkzee’s deal may end up forcing Bologna to increase his asking price. Now, depending on what they demand, it could have a significant impact on Premier League sides like Arsenal and Manchester United retaining their interest in the summer, as a higher price point could force those clubs to look elsewhere.
