Zirkzee: Milan in danger from Thiago Motta’s Juventus

Milan may soon add Joshua Zirkzee to their roster, but their slow progress in finalizing a deal could open the door for Juventus to swoop in and snatch the Bologna striker. The Rossoneri have expressed their intention to activate Zirkzee’s €40m release clause on July 1st and have been in discussions with his agent, Kia Joorabchian, to resolve the issue of agent fees and commissions.

Joorabchian is demanding €15m as part of the Zirkzee deal, a sum that Milan is not willing to pay. This disagreement leaves an opportunity for Juventus, led by Thiago Motta, to make a move for the striker. Zirkzee had an impressive season under Motta at Bologna, scoring 12 goals and providing seven assists in 37 matches.

Thiago Motta is keen on reuniting with Zirkzee at Juventus, and the club’s director, Cristiano Giuntoli, is actively working to capitalize on Milan’s struggle to close the deal. Juventus sees Zirkzee as a potential complement to Dusan Vlahovic in their new tactical system.

Milan is in a challenging position, particularly as their new coach, Paulo Fonseca, has requested a center forward with different qualities, specifically a more clinical and decisive finisher. The uncertainty surrounding the Zirkzee negotiations adds further complexity to Milan’s search for a suitable striker.