£34 million ace wanted by Arsenal and Man United compared to Zlatan Ibrahimovic

Follow us on Google Discover

Joshua Zirkzee has been compared to one of the greatest strikers who has ever played football by one of the people who discovered him.

This summer looks set to be an important one for Bologna striker Joshua Zirkzee after the Dutch striker excelled for the Serie A club as he netted 12 goals in Italy’s top division.

Zirkzee was previously at Bayern Munich but never really got the game time he was looking for at the Bavarian side with Robert Lewandowski the established first choice option.

The Dutchman made the difficult decision of moving to Bologna but after a brilliant season for the Italian club, a move is on the cards.

Hertog on Zirkzee’s similarites to iconic striker

Having previously been at Feyenoord, Damien Hertog, who discovered the forward during his time at the Dutch club, has compared Zirkzee to Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

“When I saw him for the first time, he played against us with Ado Den Haag’s Under-15s. What struck me? He was very, very tall,” Feyenoord academy director Hertog told Gazzetta Dello Sport.

“His qualities back then reminded me of those of Zlatan Ibrahimovic, I thought so on several occasions. And I think, in flashes, he still reminds me a lot of him.

“To reach such a level he will have to become the best version of himself and grow day by day with perseverance and determination.”

HITC have reported that AC Milan are frantically trying to get a deal over the line for Zirkzee but face competition from Arsenal and Manchester United.

Ibrahimovic on Zirkzee to AC Milan

Ibrahimovic is now senior advisor for AC Milan and spoke on the record about the Danish forward and his qualities.

“Jovic is there, but we are looking for a new striker,” Ibrahimovic said. “Zirkzee is a strong player, he comes from a great season. He comes from the Netherlands, whether he is another Ibra or not… there is a big difference between reality and what is said and written.”

Zirkzee’s agent are understood to be holding off from agreeing to join AC Milan as they await to see what kind of proposals they could receive from the Premier League.

Arsenal failed to sign Leipzig forward Benjamin Sesko and are keen on Zirkzee, whilst United are searching for a backup centre-forward option to Rasmus Hojlund.