Bologna admit Zirkzee leaving, but ‘want to keep’ sought-after Calafiori | OneFootball

Bologna director Giovanni Sartori admits Milan and Manchester United target Joshua Zirkzee ‘will 99 per cent leave,’ but insists they ‘want to keep’ Riccardo Calafiori.

The Rossoblu have secured their place in the Champions League after finishing fifth in the Serie A table, but lost coach Thiago Motta to Juventus.

They are also set to lose star striker Zirkzee, as there is a €40m release clause in his contract meaning Bologna can do little to stop him walking away.

“He has a clause, so he will 99 per cent leave,” confessed director Sartori during the opening of the Serie A transfer session in Rimini.

Milan have agreed personal terms with Zirkzee, but are refusing to pay the €15m commission demanded by agent Kia Joorabchian, which could allow Manchester United to swoop in.

Bologna eager to keep Calafiori

Where Bologna do have some control is over defender Calafiori, whose value has sky-rocketed after strong performances for Italy at EURO 2024.

“We only signed Calafiori 12 months ago, so we’ll see what happens, but in our minds we want to keep him. There has been talk of Juventus, but also many other clubs. If we were to receive big offers, we’d have to think about it.

“I don’t think he will go to Juventus, it will probably be abroad, but I repeat we will try to keep him.”

The 22-year-old was purchased from FC Basel for €4m last summer and is now reported to be worth around €40m.

However, as part of the deal, Bologna owe Basel 40 per cent of the sell-on fee.

Juventus remain the favourites to sign Calafiori, but other clubs interested include Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur, Real Madrid, Arsenal and Chelsea.