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Bologna chief will push to keep Manchester United-linked Joshua Zirkzee

Bologna chief will push to keep Man United-linked Zirkzee
© Reuters
Bologna chief executive Claudio Fenucci is ready to push to retain the services of Joshua Zirkzee this summer, despite alleged interest from the Premier League.

Manchester United will seemingly need to make an offer too attractive to turn down in order to sign Bologna forward Joshua Zirkzee this summer.

With United having sometimes struggled for goals and Anthony Martial due to depart on a free transfer, Erik ten Hag or an alternative boss will be in the market for a new striker.

As it stands, United have Rasmus Hojlund as their first-choice frontman with Marcus Rashford providing backup when required, as has been the case more recently.

Nevertheless, the Red Devils are keen for more competition for Hojlund, with a wide array of players said to be on their radar as they assess their options.

One of the attackers on their shortlist is said to be Zirkzee, who is enjoying the best season of his career at Serie A surprise package Bologna.

Bologna's Joshua Zirkzee celebrates scoring against Inter Milan on October 7, 2023© Reuters

The 22-year-old has contributed 10 goals and three assists from his 27 appearances in Italy's top flight, Bologna currently sitting in fourth spot as they bid to secure a place in next season's Champions League.

Qualifying for that competition or even the Europa League may be enough to strengthen Bologna's position at the negotiating table to an extent where they will be able to retain the Dutchman's services for at least another campaign.

However, chief executive Claudio Fenucci has stated that the intention is to do everything possible to ensure that Zirkzee does not leave Stadio Renato Dall'Ara in the near future, regardless of how they end the season.

Speaking to Rai Radio 1, Fenucci said: "About Joshua. We don't like to talk much of the future of our players, we prefer to live every moment of the present, there is great enthusiasm.

Bologna's Joshua Zirkzee celebrates scoring their second goal with teammates on October 7, 2023© Reuters

"In any case, the desire would be to keep everyone."

The situation is complicated with Bayern Munich - Zirkzee's former club - believed to have a buy-back clause in the region of €40m (£34.2m) that can be activated in the summer.

That is significantly less than Bologna would expect to command for Zirkzee, who has also been linked with the likes of Arsenal and Chelsea.

A previous report has suggested that Bologna would hope to receive in the region of €80 (£68.4m) if they are to cash in on their most prized asset.

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Bologna's Joshua Zirkzee celebrates scoring against Inter Milan on October 7, 2023
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