Transfer Talk: Bayern Munich, AC Milan and Arsenal all interested in Zirkzee
We still have some time before the summer transfer window reopens in Europe, but there are plenty of moves in the works and gossip swirling around. Transfer Talk brings you all the latest buzz on rumours, comings, goings and, of course, done deals!
TOP STORY: Zirkzee attracts interest from Bayern Munich, AC Milan and Arsenal
Bayern Munich may look to bring back Bologna striker Joshua Zirkzee during the summer amid interest from AC Milan and Arsenal, as has been reported by Calciomercato.
AC Milan have identified the 22-year-old as their priority for the upcoming transfer window in coming months but could now could hit a roadblock from Zirkzee’s former club. Zirkzee started his professional career in Munich before joining Bologna in 2022.
Clubs from the Premier League are among those who have shown interest in Zirkzee and Arsenal are seen as a serious option. Bayern are aware that a whole host of clubs from across Europe are interested in the Dutchman and they are eager to take control of the situation.
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Milan, meanwhile, are lining up back-up options if they can’t sign Zirkzee, who has recorded 11 goals and six assists in 29 matches across all competitions this season. The Italian club are now looking at Sporting CP‘s Viktor Gyökeres and RB Leipzig‘s Benjamin Sesko as potential alternatives.
Gyokeres, 25, has caught the eye of various clubs with his impressive tally of 32 goals and 11 assists in 36 appearances across all competitions since joining Sporting from Coventry City in the summer. He now has a release clause of €100m, which is difficult for Milan to reach but not deemed to be impossible.
Sesko, 20, is also liked by the management at Milan and, while there haven’t been any contacts with Leipzig yet, he is seen as the most likely alternative if they are unable to sign Zirkzee, who remains the first choice.
PAPER GOSSIP
– Chelsea‘s rivals will test their reputation for pricing players out, reports The Daily Mail — several clubs reportedly believe the Blues need to offload players in the summer to comply with the Premier League‘s financial rules. Chelsea insiders insist that isn’t the case but Trevoh Chalobah, Armando Broja and Conor Gallagher are among those who could leave with Tottenham Hotspur looking at the latter.
– Tottenham Hotspur have opened talks with Heung-Min Son regarding a new contract and are confident that a deal will be finalised in the summer, reports Football Insider. The 31-year-old forward’s current contract runs until 2025, although there is a club option for an additional year while Son is happy in London despite interest from Saudi Arabia.
– Internazionale are planning to re-sign Bologna midfielder Giovanni Fabbian as Henrikh Mkhitaryan‘s replacement in 2025, as reported by Tuttosport. It would take €12m to bring back the 21-year-old, who only permanently left Milan Inter in the summer of 2023.
– Juventus are working in advance to sign Monza goalkeeper Michele Di Gregorio during the summer, as reported by Calciomercato. While they are the only ones to make concrete steps for the 26-year-old, there is also interest from Internazionale and Roma. Juventus could be willing to listen to offers for Wojciech Szczesny, especially if the 33-year-old doesn’t renew his contract, which ends in 2025.
– Barcelona have made proposals for Pau Cubarsí, Hector Fort and Marc Guiu to renew their contracts, as reported by Diario Sport. Cubarsi’s current deal runs until 2026 while the others have contracts that expire in 2025, and the Blaugrana are especially keen to retain the talents raised in La Masia due to the club’s current financial situation.
