AC Milan has fallen in love with Joshua Zirkzee. This is what the Italian newspaper Tuttosport wrote as it reiterates one of the hypothetical links in the summer transfer market.
It's not really a new development; the Rossoneri had set their sights on the Dutchman well before his breakthrough under Thiago Motta at Bologna, to the extent that Zirkzee is one of Geoffrey Moncada's favourites. The keys to a negotiation that could be very complicated.
In the pre-match interview before the game against Bologna, AC Milan's sporting director Giorgio Furlani spoke to Sky Sport Italia and dismissed rumours of hypothetical negotiations for Joshua Zirkzee:
"We have never talked about it." Quite understandable, considering it was unthinkable for it to happen in January. On the other hand, it is certain that the name of the Dutch striker is on the list of desired players for AC Milan.
At the end of the season, this summer, the striker remains the Rossoneri's priority. With Giroud's future uncertain, balancing between a possible renewal and an experience in America, finding the striker of the future is imperative, especially after missing out in previous transfer windows.
This season, in both the league and the Cup, Zirkzee has already scored 9 goals and provided 4 assists, attracting the attention of half of Europe, as relayed via Milan News.
Bayern, AC Milan, and Alexis Saelemaekers in the mix for Bologna's Joshua Zirkzee...
This last aspect could be crucial for a potential deal: this summer, the competition will be fierce. But the first obstacle is called Bayern Munich, the team that launched and then sold Zirkzee to Bologna.
The Bavarians not only have an exclusive buy-back clause of 40 million euros for the player but also have the opportunity to match any other club's offer if they intend to bring the Dutchman back home. Furthermore, Bayern also enjoys nearly 50% of the resale value. In short, the real key to the negotiation will be Bayern Munich, and that's why Bologna will aim to raise the price as much as possible. As of now, the estimated value of Zirkzee's transfer is 60 million euros, but it is not excluded that it could increase even more. Clearly, faced with these figures, AC Milan will have to be very creative.
In support of the Rossoneri, Alexis Saelemaekers, on loan to Bologna, whose transfer value could be crucial, could come to the rescue. At the same time, the income from the likely redemption of De Ketelaere from Atalanta could also help, economically speaking.
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