AC Milan moving frantically to complete £34 million deal amid Arsenal and Man United interest

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• EXCLUSIVE from Graeme Bailey

HITC understands that AC Milan are frantically attempting to get a deal over the line for one key target with Arsenal circling.

Arsenal suffered a blow earlier this week when HITC reported that the Gunners had missed out on one of their top striker targets, RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko.

The Slovenian striker decided to end the rumours about his future and sign a new contract with the German side but it is understood that there will be a release clause in the forward’s new deal which will be active from 2025.

Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal will now have to look elsewhere and are interested in Bologna forward Joshua Zirkzee, which has worried AC Milan.

AC Milan trying to fend off competition

Sources have told HITC that the Italian giants are frantically trying to come to an agreement with the Dutch forward as Premier League interest grows.

Zirkzee’s agents are understood to have made contact with his English suitors in the last week to inform them of the situation that a deal with Italian giants Milan was close.

HITC understands that Manchester United and Arsenal both responded by confirming their interest in the Dutchman, whilst we understand Chelsea, Liverpool and Newcastle United also acknowledged an interest in the situation.

As well as interest from England, Juventus are also understood to be interested whilst Bayern Munich, who have a buyback clause inserted in the deal, are also keen.

Last season for Bologna, Zirkzee netted 12 goals for the Italian side in Serie A and the rather cheap release clause of £34 million makes a deal worthwhile for multiple top sides.

Zirkzee’s stance

Personal terms have been agreed with the Rossoneri, but the deal with his representatives and their payments has not been resolved, which has allowed the English clubs to come in.

Zirkzee’s clause of £34 million kicks in from July 1st and Milan wanted the deal in place – but HITC is told that the interest from the Premier League means they might not be in such a hurry to sign a pre-contract.

A new striker signing is understood to be one of the Gunners’ main priorites this summer, alongside a new midfielder.