Bayern Munich are unlikely to re-sign Bologna striker Joshua Zirkzee, with Inter Milan and AC Milan keen on the Dutchman.
This according to Italian news outlet Gazzetta.it.
It would certainly be fair to say that Zirkzee has been one of the breakout players of the current Serie A season.
Aged 22, the former Bayern striker has become the talismanic figure for a Bologna team currently pushing for Champions League football for the first time in their history.
Zirkzee has scored eleven goals so far. And he has assisted a further three.
The Dutchman’s combination of technical ability, height, and speed has made him both a threat in behind as well as a player capable of holding up the ball and bringing teammates into play.
Therefore, it is certainly no surprise to see transfer interest in Zirkzee emerging.
Bayern Unlikely To Re-Sign Joshua Zirkzee – But Inter & AC Milan Keen
Perhaps the most logical destination for Zirkzee among Europe’s top teams would be Bayern.
The Bavarians have a buyback clause worth €40 million on the 22-year-old striker.
However, the Gazzetta reports, Bayern are not likely to bring Zirkzee back because they are happy with the striker options that they already have in their squad.
Harry Kane only just arrived at Bayern last summer. And the England captain has enjoyed a record-breaking first season at the club, cementing him as the clear starter.
Meanwhile, teenager striker Mathys Tel just signed a new contract with Bayern.
The Frenchman is a player who the German champions are ready to bet on for the future.
Tel will likely be the main deputy for Kane going forward. Therefore, there would be little room for a player of Zirkzee’s profile.
As a result, the Gazzetta report, Bayern have little interest in exercising their buyback clause on the Bologna striker.
But Inter and Milan both consider the 22-year-old to be a target.
The Nerazzurri are aiming to further strengthen in attack this summer, even in addition to signing Mehdi Taremi on a free transfer from Porto.
Meanwhile, the Rossoneri are likely to have to replace Olivier Giroud this summer.
The Gazzetta report that Milan’s two main targets to take the 2018 World Cup winner’s place would be Zirkzee and RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko.
Then there would be the possibility of Bologna holding onto Zirkzee for another season.
The Rossoblu could have major leverage if they are to qualify for the Champions League. And even qualifying for Europe at all would likely strengthen their position.
Therefore, Bologna could look to delay Zirkzee’s move to a big club by a year.
And if the Emilians were to sell Zirkzee, they could use the sale of Rasmus Hojlund to Manchester United last summer as a benchmark.
Atalanta sold the Norwegian for a fee of €75 million plus €10 million in add-ons.
And the Gazzetta note that Zirkzee is a player of similar age, profile, and output to Hojlund.
