According to a report form The Standard, initiating negotiations, Manchester United are in discussions for the potential signing of Joshua Zirkzee. The Red Devils are leading the race for the Bologna striker, who has also attracted interest from Arsenal. Although Bayern Munich retain a £34m buy-back option on the Dutch forward, there are no indications of its activation, while Tottenham Hotspur and Ajax are also keeping a close eye on the situation.
Zirkzee’s Notable Season In Italian Football
Zirkzee is enjoying a commendable season with the Italian club, showcasing consistent and productive performances in the attacking third. The Dutch talent has netted eight goals and provided four assists in 22 appearances for Bologna across various competitions this campaign.
In Serie A, the 22-year-old has demonstrated his offensive capabilities, averaging 2.3 shots, 1.3 key passes, and 1.3 dribbles per 90 minutes. However, there is room for improvement in his passing accuracy, as he has completed 75.8% of his attempted passes in the top tier of Italian football, according to statistics from whoscored.
His contract with Bologna is set to expire in the summer of 2026, making it challenging for the potential suitors, including the Red Devils, to secure a cost-effective deal during this winter transfer window.
Is Zirkzee A Viable Choice For Manchester United Manager Erik Ten Hag?
Zirkzee excels in creating goal-scoring opportunities by finding pockets of space and demonstrating a keen eye for setting up chances for his teammates in the forward positions. The Dutch talent exhibits intelligent runs and can be a proficient finisher when in top form.
Standing tall at 1.93m, Zirkzee effectively utilizes his robust physique to excel in aerial duels. While he could enhance his link-up play in the opponent’s half, there’s no denying his potential to evolve into a future starting player at a prestigious club like Manchester United.
At 22 years old, Zirkzee is yet to reach his peak, promising additional firepower for Erik ten Hag’s attacking lineup. His inclusion could contribute to Manchester United’s competitiveness on all fronts in the years to come, making Zirkzee a compelling option for the Red Devils to consider in the current January transfer window.