Bayern Munich currently have no plans to rival Manchester United in the race to sign Bologna striker Joshua Zirkzee at the end of the season.
Speculation surrounding United making a move to sign Joshua Zirkzee from Bologna is really gathering pace.
Reports emerged in December, suggesting that United were showing a real interest in the Dutch forward.
Sky Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg has now suggested that United have approached Bologna over a potential January deal.
Bologna are refusing to sell this month but a summer move may be in the pipeline for Zirkzee with United already looking towards a deal at the end of the season.
Bayern Munich don’t plan to rival Manchester United for Joshua Zirkzee
One thing to factor in here is that Bayern Munich have a buy-back clause on Zirkzee.
Bayern – who pounced to sign Zirkzee from Feyenoord in 2017 – sold the 6ft 4in striker to Bologna in 2022.
The value of clause stands at around €40million (£34.5million), meaning United could be beaten to his signature if Bayern swoop in.
The aforementioned Plettenberg now claims that Bayern are unlikely to activate their clause on Zirkzee.
Bayern are keeping close tabs on Zirkzee, just in case they change their mind, but the current plan is to sit back and not bring Zirkzee back to Bavaria.
Plettenberg highlights that Zirkzee is a ‘serious’ target for United and this news of Bayern’s stance serves as a major boost.
Who else could rival United for Zirkzee?
Zirkzee has hit seven goals in 19 Serie A games, showing major potential in the Bologna attack.
The 22-year-old is big and physical but has also shown the ability to drop deep, get on the ball and dribble past defenders for fun.
That kind of talent would be welcome at Old Trafford but Bayern aren’t the only club United need to think about.
Reports just last week indicated that Arsenal are now very interested in Zirkzee, even though a deal this month is considered unlikely.
The Gunners are looking at potential striker signings and may now pose a major threat to United’s hopes of signing Zirkzee.
United appear to be trying to work on a summer deal right now and will hope that the groundwork pays off with Zirkzee becoming a top target.
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