Manchester United are joining the race to sign Dutch striker Joshua Zirkzee

Manchester United are in the race to seal a potential deal to sign Dutch striker Joshua Zirkzee from Bologna, who has a £34million release clause, according to a report from Sky Sports. While negotiations between the clubs are yet to begin, Manchester United have engaged in advanced talks with the 23-year-old’s representatives.

Manchester United, under manager Erik ten Hag, are evaluating Zirkzee among a host of candidates to strengthen their forward line alongside Rasmus Hojlund, who they signed last season from Atlanta. The Dutch striker’s £34m release clause could make the transfer easier, but he faces competition from Arsenal and AC Milan, who are also monitoring the forward.

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Zirkzee, who recently earned a call-up to the senior squad for EURO 2024, is attracting significant interest after a brilliant 2023-24 campaign with Bologna. The Dutch striker had an excellent season at Bologna, scoring 11 goals and providing five assists in Serie A under manager Thiago Motta, who has since joined Juventus as manager ahead of the 2024/25 campaign. Zirkzee’s performances were instrumental in Bologna securing Champions League qualification for the first time.

After starting his career at Feyenoord’s academy, Zirkzee moved to Bayern Munich at 16, where he had loan spells at Parma and Anderlecht before joining Bologna in 2022. Since then, Zirkzee has proven his talents in Serie A.

Manchester United have expressed a clear interest in the Dutch forward, identifying him as their top target for their summer window. However, AC Milan are understood to be in an advanced stage of negotiations with the player’s camp. With two years left on his current contract, Zirkzee is considering his options as the transfer window continues.

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