Man United ahead AC Milan in transfer race as they agree personal terms with £34m-rated ‘Outstanding’ Serie A striker

Man United ahead AC Milan in transfer race as they agree personal terms with £34m-rated ‘Outstanding’ Serie A striker

Dutch striker Joshua Zirkzee has long been coveted by Italian powerhouse AC Milan, but Manchester United has surpassed them in the race for the 23-year-old after AC Milan was unable to reach an agreement with Bologna.

Currently, it’s thought that discussions are happening with Bologna on the specifics of how they would like Zirkzee’s £34 million release fee to be settled.

According to WhoScored, the striker had 12 goals and 4 assists for the Italian team last season, so it’s understandable why Erik ten Hag would be eager to sign him.

Last season, the likes of Rasmus Hojlund and Marcus Rashford really struggled in the goalscoring department, and the club need someone who, with the right service, is a virtual guarantee of goals.

Zirkzee has a lot to learn, but isn’t anywhere close to approaching his peak as a player, and United will surely view that as a positive.

Arsenal also continue to be linked with the striker and it’s believed that Milan will make another move in due course – though the Rossoneri are now talking to other strikers as they’re aware that United are leading the race for Zirkzee.

Interestingly, CaughtOffside sources also note that the striker will rebuff any offer that may arrive from the Gunners as he has prioritised a transfer to the Old Trafford outfit.

With pre-season training beginning for most clubs from next week, it’s clear that certain deals would benefit from being completed sooner rather than later.