Despite interest from rivals Arsenal, Manchester United is leading the fight to sign Joshua Zirkzee, a forward for Bologna.

Only the Red Devils and the former Bayern Munich player have had transfer negotiations.

Joshua Zirkzee, a 22-year-old forward for Bologna, rose through Bayern Munich’s development system but struggled to break through at the senior level before joining Bologna in 2022. Manchester United is leading the fight to recruit Zirkzee.

The attacker has performed well this season following a lackluster initial year in Italy, tallying seven goals and dishing out two assists in 19 Serie A games.

In an attempt to strengthen his front line, Erik ten Hag is hoping to sign the former Netherlands U21 player in the summer.

According to reports, Zirkzee and Bologna have a £34 million release clause in their deal.

Marco Di Vaio, the club director, has clarified that Bayern is the only company that may make use of this option.

An agreement to rejoin the Bundesliga is doubtful, though, as Man Utd is the only team that has started preliminary negotiations to sign the Dutchman.

Zirkzee, whose contract with Bologna expires in 2026, has been a key player in the team’s effort to qualify for the Champions League.

Although Thiago Motta’s team is only two points behind Fiorentina in fourth place, they are currently ranked seventh.

Along with Tottenham and Ajax, Arsenal is also interested in the winner of the 2019–20 Champions League.

Zirkzee’s impressive debut season with Bayern Munich attracted the attention of Europe.

He helped the German powerhouses win the Bundesliga, Champions League, and DFL Super Cup, completing a continental treble.

Furthermore, Ten Hag hasn’t seen the best in Rasmus Hojlund and Marcus Rashford, so his goal-scoring ability might be useful at Old Trafford.