{"id":1354504,"date":"2024-06-11T17:44:44","date_gmt":"2024-06-11T16:44:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/?p=1354504"},"modified":"2024-06-12T13:24:09","modified_gmt":"2024-06-12T12:24:09","slug":"man-utd-transfers-joshua-zirkzee-battle-ac-milan","status":"publish","type":"features","link":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/features\/man-utd-transfers-joshua-zirkzee-battle-ac-milan\/","title":{"rendered":"Man Utd transfer targets: Old Trafford switch may be on the cards for in-demand Joshua Zirkzee"},"content":{"rendered":"

Manchester United<\/a> could be set to scupper AC Milan\u2019s move for Joshua Zirkzee.<\/strong><\/p>\n

The Rossoneri<\/em> have reportedly agreed personal terms with Bologna\u2019s Dutch sensation, but Erik ten Hag\u2019s side are believed to be considering a rival bid.<\/p>\n

However, with talks at an advanced stage \u2014 and fellow Premier League side Arsenal also thought to be interested \u2014 Man Utd face a battle to sign the in-demand forward.<\/p>\n

[dugoutvideo id=”eyJrZXkiOiIiLCJwIjoic3F1YXdrYSIsInBsIjoiZ2ZuSzJOU0sifQ==” partner=”squawka”]<\/p>\n

Ahead of the transfer window opening on Friday, we consider what Zirkzee would add to the Red Devils\u2019 squad.<\/p>\n

Value for money<\/strong><\/p>\n

Zirkzee has a \u20ac40million release clause in his contract, so negotiating his exit from the Stadio Renato Dall’Ara won\u2019t be an issue for Man Utd.<\/p>\n

The only question is whether they can offer a superior package to their rivals for his signature, or if the allure of playing at Old Trafford appeals to the 23-year-old.<\/p>\n

Such a reasonable price tag certainly looks like good value for a player who amassed 15 goal contributions (11 goals, four assists) in Serie A last season, as Bologna secured Champions League qualification with a fifth-placed finish.<\/p>\n

Ten Hag — or whoever is in charge — may need to spend a significant chunk of Man Utd\u2019s transfer kitty on strengthening their defence this summer, so Zirkzee represents a relatively budget-friendly option in attack.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Speed merchant<\/strong><\/p>\n

Zirkzee would certainly add an injection of pace to United\u2019s attack, having terrorised Italian defences with his speed and dribbling ability.<\/p>\n

Only three players in Serie A attempted more take-ons than the Netherlands Under-21 international (124) last term, while his record of 52 completed take-ons was similarly impressive.<\/p>\n

Having struggled to score consistently in his first season with the Rossoblu<\/em>, Zirkzee added a clinical streak to his game in 2023\/24 \u2014 registering a high volume of shots on target (31) and ranking inside the division\u2019s top 10 performers for big chances scored (8).<\/p>\n

The former Bayern Munich man is constantly looking to get on the ball in dangerous positions, with a considerable 151 touches inside the penalty area across the campaign.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Sensible signing<\/strong><\/p>\n

Man Utd will not want to stunt the development of Rasmus Hojlund by signing a similar profile of striker, but Zirkzee has the potential to complement the Red Devils\u2019 No.11.<\/p>\n

His direct running could open up space for Hojlund, while his creative attributes would add a different dimension to Man Utd\u2019s attack.<\/p>\n

After all, only four players in Serie A created more big chances than the 6ft 4in forward last season (11).<\/p>\n

He will help Ten Hag\u2019s team win the ball in advanced areas, too, having ranked second in Italy\u2019s top flight for possession regains in the attacking third (30) in 2023\/24.<\/p>\n

There is little doubt that Zirkzee would be a sensible signing this summer \u2014 if Man Utd can convince him to move to Old Trafford.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Manchester United could be set to scupper AC Milan\u2019s move for Joshua Zirkzee. The Rossoneri have reportedly agreed personal terms with Bologna\u2019s Dutch sensation, but Erik ten Hag\u2019s side are believed to be considering a rival bid. However, with talks at an advanced stage \u2014 and fellow Premier League side Arsenal also thought to be…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":455,"featured_media":1354510,"template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_yoast_wpseo_focuskw":"","_yoast_wpseo_title":"","_yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Manchester United have been linked with a late move for Bologna midfielder Joshua Zirkzee, who has reportedly agreed terms with AC Milan.","footnotes":""},"tags":[],"features-category":[],"squawka-category":[],"class_list":["post-1354504","features","type-features","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"acf":{"external_featured_image_url":"","hide_featured_image_pattern":false},"yoast_head":"\nMan Utd transfer targets: Old Trafford switch may be on the cards for in-demand Joshua Zirkzee | Squawka | EN<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Manchester United have been linked with a late move for Bologna midfielder Joshua Zirkzee, who has reportedly agreed terms with AC Milan.\" 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