Man Utd ‘line up £34m Joshua Zirkzee transfer with Red Devils holding advanced interest in Champions League striker’

MANCHESTER UNITED have stolen a march on their Premier League rivals in the hunt for Bologna striker Joshua Zirkzee.

The Red Devils are reportedly in talks with the Dutchman’s representatives after showing “advanced interest” in the 23-year-old.

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Joshua Zirkzee is wanted by Prem giants as well as AC Milan[/caption]

Arsenal lead Zirkzee’s list of other Prem admirers.

But despite a switch to England appearing most likely, AC Milan are still understood to be keen.

The former Bayern Munich fringe player has a buyout clause of 40million euros – around £34m.

Bologna would love to keep their star man, whose contract runs until June 2026.

But The Athletic’s David Ornstein believes United have been in “dialogue” with Zirkzee’s camp and are “considering an approach”.

The 6ft 4ins frontman saw his status rise with 11 goals 11 goals and four assists in 34 Serie A matches in the domestic season just finished.

He then earned a late-call-up to Holland’s Euro 2024 squad.

It’s claimed Arsenal have been monitoring Zirkzee for several months.

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And after Benjamin Sesko rejected the Gunners to stay with RB Leipzig, Emirates chief Mikel Arteta was expected to rev up his interest in Zirkzee.

But instead Arsenal’s keenness for a new out-and-out centre scorer appears to have dampened.

It’s reckoned Arteta’ transfer priority will now be in central midfield.

The Spanish manager is eager to find a long-term partner for anchorman Declan Rice.

That’s just another reason why Erik ten Hag‘s United are now regarded as favourites to sign Zirkzee.