AC Milan have leapfrogged Manchester United in the race to land Bologna sensation Joshua Zirkzee, according to Fussball.news.
The Serie A heavyweights are now front-runners to sign the 22-year-old striker, whose performances for Thiago Motta’s overachievers have caught the attention of several European giants.
Zirkzee has been in inspired form for La Rossa this season, bagging 11 goals and six assists in 30 appearances across all competitions.
His fine form has sparked rumours of a potential move to the Premier League, with United and Arsenal touted as possible destinations.
However, Milan have asserted themselves in the race to secure his signature, and Zirkzee’s desire to remain in Serie A hands the seven-time European champions an advantage.
Bologna will demand around £35-40m for Zirkzee this summer. While that could be affordable for United, they must convince the striker to leave his comfort zone for the highly demanding Premier League.
United should move for a more experienced striker
Rasmus Hojlund has established himself as Erik ten Hag’s designated starting striker.
He endured a mixed start to the season but has been firing on all cylinders since the New Year, netting 13 goals across all competitions.
With Hojlund finally finding his feet in the Premier League, he has proven he could be the man to lead the line for United for the foreseeable future, and Zirkzee’s arrival could stifle his development.
United are better off signing a more experienced striker who wouldn’t hamper Hojlund’s growth but is capable of delivering the goods.
VfB Stuttgart’s striker Serhou Guirassy fits that description. The 28-year-old has proven himself to be one of the most prolific strikers in Europe, netting 24 times in 22 games this season.
He has an enticing release clause that makes him available for just £17m this summer, making him a more cost-effective option than Zirkzee.
