Man Utd told how much they will have to pay for ‘Dutch Zlatan’

Carlo Garganese

• 20 Mar 2024 09:23 GMT
• 3 min read

Bologna have slapped a €75 million asking price on star striker Joshua Zirkzee for all interested parties, other than Bayern Munich.

Zirkzee has been one of the breakout stars of European football in 2023-24, leading Bologna to the verge of a shock qualification to the Champions League.

Likened to Sweden legend Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Bologna are bracing themselves for a host of bids from big clubs this summer.

READ MORE: Who is Joshua Zirkzee?

Bologna have made it clear that for all clubs - other than Bayern Munich - it will cost €75m if they want to sign the striker.

Bayern Munich, on the other hands, have a €40m buyback clause on the player having sold the 22-year-old to Bologna in 2022.

FootballTransfers exclusively revealed in January that both Man Utd and Arsenal were interested in signing Zirkzee during the winter transfer window but that it would be impossible to prise him away from Bologna that month.

However, a transfer in the summer is very possible as Bologna accept it will be difficult to keep hold of a striker who has exploded in Serie A this season.

Both Man Utd and Arsenal are looking to strengthen their attacking department in 2024.

Signing a top number nine is a key priority for Arsenal, in particular, and they also have Victor Osimhen, Dusan Vlahovic and Ivan Toney on their shortlist.

Zirkzee in 2023-24

Zirkzee has emerged in 2023-24 as one of the most exciting young attackers in Europe, with 11 goals and six assists in all competitions.

He has been the key man for a Bologna team who have punched well above their weight under Thiago Motta, challenging for a Champions League place in Serie A.

Standing at 6ft 4in, Zirkzee is a giant of a striker who is expert at holding up the ball and bringing others into play.

He is strong at protecting the ball with his back to play, but he is also excellent technically, boasting quick feet and able to move out of tight spaces.

Due to his blend of height, strength and technique, Dutchman Zirkzee has been compared by some to Sweden legend Zlatan Ibrahimovic.