Manchester United officially approached the 23-year-old new Ibrahimovic, and the contract break fee was only 34 million! Want to intercept Milan to sign a Serie A center forward

Romy's Manchester United blog

2024-06-19 08:00Posted in Guangdong sports creators

Manchester United are in talks with Bologna striker Joshua Zirkzee to make a bid to replace the departing no.9 Anthony Martial in this window. The striker, who has dual Dutch and Nigerian citizenship, is said to have a €40 million (£34 million) break clause in his contract, and is also a target for AC Milan and Arsenal.

Bologna's Champions League spotlight last season was a big upset in Serie A, and their coaches are so popular that manager Thiago Motta has been appointed as Juventus' new manager. Zirkze was a sought-after commodity in the summer window, with Milan having moved faster. However, United are now looking to be in a position to be well placed through more aggressive negotiations. Although it is not yet at the stage of making an offer, the club believes that success is still possible.

David Ornstein, the leading transfer expert at The Athletic, confirmed: "Manchester United are exploring Bologna striker Zirkze, who has a keen interest and are already in advanced talks with the player's team. The player, who has just turned 23, is on United's shortlist for a new striker, but there are no club-to-club negotiations. Manchester United are considering approaching and are aware of the €40 million termination clause of their contract."

Sky Sports Germany's Florian Plettenberg said: "I have heard that Manchester United have started substantive talks with Zirkze's agent, Hobrachin. Zirkze is once again a leading target for Manchester United, as reported today as he and Milan look set to be unable to agree anytime soon. In my opinion, Manchester United have a good chance of cutting off the deal, and the Red Devils are now trying to get a verbal deal done. But everything is still open, Ten Hag wants to sign him, but a move to Milan is not out of the question."

Manchester United are keen to bring in a new striker who could be a rival and strike partner for £73 million Mr. Hojlund. Zirkze scored 12 goals in all competitions last season, including 11 in Serie A, while he also showed a high level of attacking playmaking, providing seven assists, four of which came in the league. He is over 1.9 meters tall and has all-round attributes, which can play as a midfielder or second striker. He is good at receiving the ball with his back or side to the goal, and driving his teammates to cooperate after controlling the ball.

Former Bologna boss Motta revealed that Zirkze adores former Manchester United and Milan legends Ebrahimovic Ibrahimovic and Argentine god Batistuta. But praise for its unique attributes, such as Ronaldo on the front line. "He said his idols were Ibrahimovic and Barty, they were both good strikers. But seeing him every day reminds me of Ronaldinho, who worked with Barcelona." "But I don't want to compare him to anybody, he's just Joshua (Zilkze), very special."

Zirkze, who is currently playing at Euro 2024, was not originally selected, but injuries to Frenkie de Jong and Koopmeiners earned him a call-up to the tournament. The Dutch international is enough to attract the interest of the United manager, who used to play for Bayern Munich and is also Ten Hag's former club, with the 54-year-old Dutchman serving as Bayern Munich's reserve manager. During his time at Bayern, Zirkze made 17 appearances and scored four goals.

Therefore, it would be very cost-effective to get Zirkze for 40 million euros, and its German transfer market network is valued at 50 million euros! Zirkze's agent, Horabuchin, is also a familiar figure for United, having signed his player Carlos Tevez on loan more than a decade ago. He is by no means a good man and could ask for high commissions, which is one of the reasons why Milan's deal with him did not go ahead.

Bologna are keen to keep their star players for the Champions League, with Zirkze on a contract until June 2026, but the Serie A club will be unable to do anything if the release clause is activated. Ostann said United had spoken to the player's agent and were considering action.

The Premier League has announced the fixtures for the 2024/25 season on Tuesday, with Manchester United hosting Fulham in their league opener on 16 August. A week before the game, Ten Hag will also lead his side to face Premier League champions Manchester City in the Community Shield. United will not be spending money on signings in June, so the best time to complete the signings between July 1 and July 15 is the first warm-up game against Rosenborg in Norway, so that the new signings can participate in training camps and games and integrate into the team as quickly as possible.

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