Zlatan Ibrahimovic has confirmed that AC Milan are no longer pursuing Joshua Zirkzee this summer, Soccernet.football reports.
Milan had been the favourites to sign the Dutch forward, but now it appears that Manchester United are close to securing his transfer.
United manager Erik ten Hag is looking to strengthen his attack, especially with Jadon Sancho and Mason Greenwood set to leave, and Anthony Martial’s contract having expired.
Rasmus Hojlund, signed from Atalanta for over €70 million last year, showed promise in his first season with United but cannot carry the team’s attacking responsibilities alone.
Therefore, United are looking to the Italian market again, this time targeting Bologna striker Joshua Zirkzee.
Recent reports suggest United are nearing a deal for Zirkzee. They are reportedly ready to activate his £34 million release clause, and the striker prefers a move to Old Trafford over Arsenal. It is believed that the transfer will be finalized once the Netherlands’ participation in Euro 2024 ends.
Last month, AC Milan had agreed terms for Zirkzee but refused to pay the required agent fee to Kia Joorabchian. Zlatan Ibrahimovic, now an advisor to Milan’s board, has confirmed that Milan is no longer interested in Zirkzee, stating that the club has a different target in mind.
“Zirkzee? It’s the past for us.” “We already have the new striker in mind but I’m not gonna tell you the name,” Ibrahimovic said as per Fabrizio Romano.
Zirkzee’s career has seen ups and downs. He struggled during a loan at Parma but enjoyed a successful loan spell at Anderlecht, which saw him score 18 goals in 47 games under Vincent Kompany.
Bologna signed him permanently in 2022, and after a slow start, he improved last season with 11 goals in Serie A. United believe Zirkzee can further develop in the Premier League and provide strong competition for Hojlund in their attack.