According to reports in Italy, Milan have agreed personal terms with Bologna striker Joshua Zirkzee, who ‘only wants’ the Rossoneri, and are now close to a deal over his agent’s commission.
The transfer fee is not an issue, because there is a €40m release clause in the contract he signed when moving to the Stadio Dall’Ara from Bayern Munich.
There has been plenty of interest in the Dutch forward, including from Arsenal, Juventus, Napoli and Chelsea.
Since the start of the summer it has been largely a two-horse race between the Rossoneri and the Gunners, but Sportitalia transfer expert Alfredo Pedullà warns it is almost over.
That is largely because Zirkzee “only wants Milan” and is prepared to accept a salary worth €4.5-5m per season, considerably less than he would’ve earned with Arsenal.
Milan have one final Zirkzee hurdle
The only issue that still needs to be resolved is the commission from agent Kia Joorabchian, which had been as high as €15m.
It now looks as if he is ready to drop that to circa €10m and a deal can be done over the weekend, as Milan chiefs head into a summit with the representative in London.
Zirkzee scored 11 goals and provided four assists in Serie A for Bologna this season, helping them qualify for the Champions League in fifth place.