AC Milan have recently been infatuated by the Bologna pair Thiago Motta and Joshua Zirkzee, and journalist Gianluca Di Marzio offered some insight about the Rossoneri’s interest in the duo.
If you were to look at a checklist of what Milan are interested in, you would see a new manager who can inspire and bring success. Also, a new and exciting striker, with Olivier Giroud’s situation unclear.
To tick both of those boxes, you could look to Bologna, and two checks may appear. On the touchline, Thiago Motta has been heavily linked with a move away from the Rossoblu, given his contract expires in the upcoming summer.
He fits the bill for what the Diavolo want in terms of a coach who can inspire, and he has done so with Bologna this season.
Furthermore, on the number 9 front, there is Zirkzee. He, alongside Jonathan David, has been rumoured to top Milan’s list of their next leading striker. With 10 goal contributions (8 goals/2 assists) in all competitions, he could be the successor to an ageing Giroud.
Di Marzio recently spoke to SportNews, about Zirkzee’s future, and the Rossoneri’s interest in him and Motta – his words were relayed by Get Football News Italy.
The interest in Zirkzee…
“Is his [Zirkzee’s] market value €35 million? No, I think it is more. He has a release clause in his contract worth €50 million. And Bayern Munich have the option to bring him back for 50 per cent of that amount.
“He is a key target for AC Milan, and I think he will soon move to an Italian top club or maybe the Premier League. He is so strong and has so many qualities. In Serie A, he is the striker who leaves the best impression in Italy after Lautaro Martinez.”
Milan’s interest in Motta…
“Thiago Motta is on a list to become the coach of the Rossoneri, and Motta and Zirkzee have been in contact; maybe he will take him with him if he joins.”
“With 10 goal contributions (8 goals/2 assists) in all competitions, he could be the successor to an ageing Giroud.”
But the thing is… We need an upgrade. Zirkzee isn’t one. Sure, he’s probably the best (somewhat realistic) option there is but even our 37-year-striker working overtime is making “more magic happen” than Zirkzee.
Aaaaand there’s the other thing as well. Remember CDK. You know the one who cracked into million pieces by the weight of the Rossoneri shirt. Messias talked about it too. Can Zirkzee handle the pressure? He has had one decent season in a midtable team. Taking the #9 shirt in the 2nd most successful team in UCL history? Yeah, piece of cake. Ask CDK.
It’s always a gamble. CDK was fresh off the boat. Look at him finding his feet at Atalanta. The weight of the shirt won’t change at Milan but at least ZEE has serie A experience.
The thing is zirkzee is 22 and can be very good in the future,but for rn im with you he isnt an upgrade
Every player transfer is a kind of risk ! How many of them have never achieved what was expected of them. That’s why there are sports scouts who try to minimize this risk and the wrong investment.
Giroud cost 1 million, Zirzkzee, that apparently isn’t an upgrade for 50? That is not a smart investment.
If they can get him for 20, that would be decent. Otherwise it’s a no go.
Yes but Giroud won’t get better. Whereas Zee will arguably improve.