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Manchester United, Arsenal 'dealt blow in pursuit of Serie A forward'

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 05 April 2024

Man Utd, Arsenal 'dealt blow in pursuit of Serie A forward'

Manchester United and Arsenal face missing out on Joshua Zirkzee, with the Bologna forward setting his sights on joining AC Milan, according to a report.

Manchester United and Arsenal reportedly face missing out on Joshua Zirkzee this summer, with the Bologna forward believed to have set his sights on joining AC Milan.

The Netherlands international has been in strong form for Bologna during the 2023-24 campaign, scoring 11 goals and registering six assists in 31 appearances in all competitions.

There was a host of speculation surrounding his future during the January transfer window, with Man United and Arsenal both believed to have considered mid-season moves.

Zirkzee ultimately remained with Bologna, but he could be on the move this summer, with a number of clubs said to be interested in the 22-year-old.

According to Gazzetta dello Sport, the Dutchman favours a switch to Milan at the end of the campaign, with his preference being to continue his career in Italy's top flight.

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

The report claims that Milan view Zirkzee as their number one centre-forward target this summer, and a return to Bayern Munich is seen as unlikely despite the German outfit having a buyback clause.

Man United have allegedly 'already made a move' for the attacker, and a switch to the Premier League has not been ruled out despite Milan being at the head of the queue.

Zirkzee made the move to Bayern in 2017, progressing to their first team in 2019, but he struggled to make the breakthrough at Allianz Arena and left for Bologna in 2022 after loan spells at Parma and Anderlecht.

The Dutchman only managed two Serie A goals during the 2022-23 campaign, but he has netted 10 times in Italy's top flight during the current season.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta pictured on April 3, 2024 © Reuters

Man United, Arsenal will sign new forwards this summer

There is no question that both Man United and Arsenal want to bring in new centre-forwards during this summer's transfer window.

Anthony Martial is set to depart Man United on a free transfer at the end of June, which will leave Rasmus Hojlund as the team's only senior centre-forward.

Arsenal, meanwhile, are seeking an upgrade on both Eddie Nketiah and Gabriel Jesus; Kai Havertz has been operating as a striker of late, but he is not seen as a long-term solution in that area of the field.

Both clubs have been credited with an interest in Ivan Toney, although it has been suggested that Brentford could price the England international out of a move in the upcoming market.

Arsenal are set to be able to offer Champions League football to new signings next season, but Man United's hopes of securing top-level European action in 2024-25 have been seriously harmed by their last two results against Brentford and Chelsea.