- Aston Villa is making a significant financial investment to sign Joshua Zirkzee, indicating the player’s high value and strategic importance to the club’s ambitions.
- The transfer is part of a broader strategy to secure Champions League qualification, with Zirkzee’s attacking prowess expected to bolster the team’s attack.
- The involvement of super-agent Kia Joorabchian suggests that the deal is well-advanced and that Villa is serious about securing Zirkzee’s services.
- Zirkzee’s performance and metrics have been instrumental in his value, with his contributions to Bologna’s season highlighting his potential to make a significant impact at Aston Villa.
Newsypeople- Aston Villa has reportedly entered the race to sign Bologna striker Joshua Zirkzee, joining a list of Premier League teams that are interested in the player. This move comes as part of a broader effort by Aston Villa to strengthen their attacking options, especially with their current strikers, Ollie Watkins and Jhon Duran, linked with high-profile moves away from Villa Park.
Zirkzee, a 22-year-old Dutch forward, has been a standout performer for Bologna, scoring 13 goals in 53 appearances and registering six assists across all competitions this season. His impressive goal tally and attacking metrics, including 2.7 shots per game and 1.3 key passes per game, have caught the attention of several top European clubs.
The race for Zirkzee signature is intense, with Aston Villa, Arsenal, Manchester United, and Newcastle United among the suitors. The Lions are particularly interested in Zirkzee due to their sporting director Monchi’s knowledge of Serie A, which could be beneficial if they qualify for the Champions League. The transfer fee for Zirkzee is reportedly around €60-70 million, with Bologna’s demands also including wages of around €4 million a year for the player.
Aston Villa’s interest in Zirkzee is further fueled by their current position in the league, where they are fifth, level on points with Tottenham but having played a game more. The club’s management has already established contact with Zirkzee’s agent, Kia Joorabchian, to discuss a potential move. However, it remains to be seen if Zirkzee would consider Aston Villa a step up from Bologna, especially if the Rossoblu also secure a Champions League spot.
Additionally, there are complications to consider, such as Bayern Munich’s buy-back clause in Zirkzee’s contract, which is worth €40 million. This clause could potentially allow Bayern to sell Zirkzee on at a profit, adding another layer of complexity to the transfer negotiations.
Despite the challenges and competition, Aston Villa’s ambition to secure Zirkzee’s services is clear, with the club reportedly prepared to pay up to €70 million for the player. This move would not only bolster their attacking line but also align with their strategy to compete in the Champions League, where Zirkzee’s experience and performance in Serie A could be a significant asset.
