Italian side AC Milan are gearing up for a strategic move in the upcoming summer transfer window, with Dutch-born Nigeria-eligible Joshua Zirkzee firmly in their sights.
According to reports from Calciomercato.com, the Rossoneri are preparing to make a substantial offer to secure the services of the promising forward.
With fourth place in Serie A well within reach for Bologna, Milan understand the need for patience in negotiations to avoid disrupting the club's focus.
However, Joshua Zirkzee's impressive performances on the field continue to drive up his market value, which currently hovers around €45-50 million and could soar even higher by the end of the season.
At just 22 years old, Zirkzee possesses a natural instinct for goal-scoring, along with the ability to create opportunities for his team. These attributes have placed him at the top of Milan's transfer wishlist, as they see him as a player with immense potential for growth.
This season, Bologna are primed to finish fourth based on current form and that will mean a whole lot for a club side never considered at the start of the season to be in that position.
In their pursuit of Zirkzee, Milan's chief scout Geoffrey Moncada is considering including counterpart players to lower the cash sum required for the transfer. Among these potential counterparts are Alexis Saelemaekers, who is currently on loan at Bologna with an option to buy, and Lorenzo Colombo, valued at €15 million.
AC Milan face competition in Joshua Zirkzee transfer
Another Serie A side, Napoli, had placed Joshua Zirkzee on their transfer wish list as well, penning him as a likely replacement for Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen, who is likely to depart Naples in the summer.
Joshua Zirkzee has been making waves in Serie A as Bologna's primary striker, aiming to lead them to their first European qualification in over two decades.
The Dutch-born striker is not only interested in Serie A sides but from across top sides in Europe’s top five leagues.
In England, Zirkzee has garnered interest from Manchester United, Arsenal, and Chelsea, but Man United has been the only side, according to our recent report, to have tabled an offer and is ready to meet the buyout clause for the promising star.
I see myself as a ‘street footballer' – Joshua Zirkzee
In a recent chat with Corriere della Sera, he described himself as a street footballer.
“If you play on the street you often do it against older guys. You have to find a way to protect yourself, develop more skills, you have to be faster, stronger, have better technique,” said the former Bayern Munich player.
“You want to impress the big guys, earn their respect, show them who’s the best. And when you enter a real training center, certain things stay with you and make the difference.”
“Often yes. I want people to have fun when they come to see me. But more than individually, it is better to impress the stadium as a team, in the way of playing. Bologna has done it more than once this year. Being creative is important.
“It’s the best way to express yourself. Creativity at the service of the team is a lethal combination.
“I’m not a pure centre forward. I said a year ago that I liked playing with an attacking partner. But Motta transformed me into a nine-and-a-half. I’m not an Arnautovic type, I like to come forward after playing the ball and help the team and score goals.”
