SM Exclusive: Bayern talks and the Motta factor – Milan make concrete play to land Zirkzee

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·16 May 2024

SM Exclusive: Bayern talks and the Motta factor – Milan make concrete play to land Zirkzee

Joshua Zirkzee has been at the centre of attention lately, following what can only be described as a break-out season for the Dutchman.

AC Milan have been mentioned more than once and given their need for a No.9 ahead of next season, this certainly makes sense. However, as the competition is rather fierce, where do the Rossoneri currently stand?

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Back in November, we reported on Substack that Milan had sent scouts to watch Zirkzee in action on several occasions. The interest has always been concrete, in other words, and the striker is bound to leave Bologna this summer in the event of a big offer.

Movements made

Despite the competition to land the 22-year-old former Anderlecht man, the Rossoneri fancy themselves for several reasons and have made important moves recently to try get ahead of everyone else.

In addition to our report about Zirkzee, we have always made it clear that Thiago Motta is the most appreciated candidate by the entire Milan management to replace Stefano Pioli.

This is something we made clear in December of last year and despite reports in recent weeks, the situation hasn’t changed in that sense. He is the chosen one, but why haven’t the Rossoneri secured him?

Milan admittedly lost some ground in March, when the team went on a seven-game winning run in all competitions and the manager talks didn’t progress.

Juventus were able to enter the scene and certainly complicated life for the Rossoneri. However, the Bianconeri are experiencing difficulties in getting rid of Max Allegri, who still has one year left on his contract with a very high salary as well.

Milan, therefore, have been able to relaunch their pursuit of the manager which we also stated a few weeks back.

An added weapon

There is one more thing, however, which could allow the Rossoneri to definitely leapfrog Juventus in the race: the signing of Joshua Zirkzee. Indeed, as we have learned, they have made important steps forward in the last few days.

After having contacted both the player and Bologna, Milan have now also reached out to Bayern Munich to get a better understanding of the future resale clause in favour of the German side, and indeed their buy-back clause.

The Rossoblu have continued to value Zirkzee at no less than €60m for this exact reason, and the Rossoneri are probing different ways to make life easier for all parties.

In short, Milan are serious in their pursuit of Zirkzee and everything suggests that an official offer will soon be ready. The Rossoneri believe that he could be the perfect No.9 for next season, as well as the perfect signing to convince Motta to abandon the Juventus project.

Now we need to let things run their course, but it is clear that we are entering a very decisive phase of the planning for the 2024-25 campaign and beyond.