da fezbet： AC Milan look set to scupper Arsenal's chances of signing Bologna's Joshua Zirkzee as they are reportedly ready to pay his €40 million release clause.

da aviator aposta： Article continues below

Article continues below

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Arsenal linked with Dutchman ZirkzeeBologna star wants to stay in ItalyAC Milan ready to match release clauseWHAT HAPPENED?

Arsenal have long been linked with the Dutch forward but Italian journalist Matteo Moretto claims Milan are willing to secure his services for £34m ($44m). He adds the Rossoneri are working to reach an agreement with the 23-year-old and his agent and there is optimism between all parties.

AdvertisementGettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Zirkzee, who scored 12 goals and bagged seven assists this season for Bologna, reportedly has no desire to leave Serie A and has set his sights on playing Champions League football next season. Whether that is with Bologna or Milan remains to be seen.

DID YOU KNOW?

When asked about his future, the former Bayern Munich man said in late May: "At the moment my mind is only in Bologna. I want to recover from the injury, have some nice holidays in the United States with my childhood friends and then we’ll see what happens. I’d choose the best for the club. I will only do what makes sense in my heart. It’s clear that for me it would be wonderful to defend this goal achieved together. What we experienced in Piazza Maggiore was unforgettable."

GettyWHAT NEXT?

Dutch under-21 international Zirkzee, who has been out with a hamstring injury in recent weeks, will step up his recovery in the close season while transfer rumours continue to swirl around him.