AC Milan are reportedly continuing talks over a deal to sign Bologna striker Joshua Zirkzee this summer, but a move could cost around €40m.
The Rossoneri have a glaring need to sign a striker in the upcoming summer transfer window, with Olivier Giroud’s exit now officially confirmed.
READ MORE: Exit confirmed as Milan have crucial void to fill this summer
Given the lack of options behind the French stalwart, a signing must be made to fill that void, and it appears as though Milan have their preferred option who they believe could prove to be the ideal solution.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Milan are continuing to work on finding an agreement to sign Zirkzee with ongoing talks taking place over a deal, but with other clubs interested, it remains to be seen if we can fend them off and land our priority target.
It’s added that the 22-year-old has a €40m release clause in his current Bologna contract, and so it will take a significant fee to prise him away from the Rossoblu.
Zirkzee has had an impressive season this year as he’s scored 12 goals and provided seven assists in 37 appearances across all competitions.
Having played a pivotal role in helping Bologna qualify for the Champions League next season, it’s no surprise that he has attracted plenty of interest from elsewhere, but ultimately it’s hoped that Milan are able to win the race for his signature if he is indeed the club’s first choice option to replace Giroud.
It promises to be a fascinating summer for Milan given the expectation that Stefano Pioli will be replaced, and with stalwarts like Giroud and Simon Kjaer moving on, it feels like there is a changing of the guard of sort, and a new cycle is starting at the club.
However, the decisions that the hierarchy make in the coming months will shape our future, and so it’s absolutely imperative that they get it right to ensure that we improve on what we’ve seen this season, rather than continue to slide out of contention for major honours.
Time will tell who is appointed as Pioli’s successor, if he does leave as heavily speculated, as it’s also crucial that the Milan management are signing Zirkzee with a view of knowing that he will suit the style of play and structure of the incoming boss to ensure that there is a shared vision and plan.