Juventus are reportedly ahead of Milan in the race to sign Bologna striker Joshua Zirkzee, but Arsenal are also interested. The Bianconeri have been linked with a number of the Rossoblu’s key players, with reports suggesting that Thiago Motta is set to succeed Max Allegri on the Juve bench.
La Gazzetta dello Sport report that that sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli has ‘joined the race for the Bologna striker’, for whom Bayern hold a buy-back clause (€40 million) and a resale percentage (around 40%). The report suggests that in recent weeks Juventus have climbed in the preferences of the 22-year-old Dutchman through contacts with his entourage. The first result, albeit still partial, is that Juventus has gained a prominent position in Zirkzee’s and his entourage’s thoughts. As of now, the Bianconeri have become the leading Italian team in the lineup.
The newspaper suggest that Juve’s main idea would be to not sell Dusan Vlahovic, for whom contract renewal discussions continue, but to ‘sacrifice’ young talents. Dean Huijsen (currently on loan at Roma), Matias Soulé (now at Frosinone), and Samuel Iling Jr could be sold to fund the transfer. Dortmund and Newcastle are pressing for Huijsen who has a valuation €30 million. A similar figure – and perhaps even more – could come from England for Soulé. Iling could also return to the Premier League, valued at €5 million and with a contract expiring in 2025.
Premier League side Arsenal are also holding a strong interest in Zirkzee as they could pay the €60 million asking price, but Juve signing Thiago Motta could sway things further in their favour.
