The fact that Joshua Zirkzee is reportedly ready to move to Old Trafford has given Manchester United a big advantage in their pursuit of him.

The Red Devils’ search for the Dutchman has been a long and complicated story.

At first, it was thought that the player was only interested in AC Milan. But the seven-time European winners refused to pay the striker’s agency the large amounts of money they wanted in commission.

The Red Devils were interested in this and asked the player to wait to decide what to do with his future until July, when his release option would go into effect.

Last week, it was said that Erik ten Hag talked to Zirkzee directly to try to convince him to take the job at Old Trafford. It was also said that Zirkzee would be excited about the chance to work with Ruud van Nistelrooy, who will soon be named United’s boss.

Additionally, it was claimed late last night that the forward has been offered a lucrative €6 million-a-year deal to move to Manchester.

The Italian newspaper Corriere de Bologna says that Bologna knows Zirkzee is going to leave soon because he wants to join Manchester United. Manchester United is said to be going to use the €40 million release option.

The player’s sale appears to be certain, since the president of the Serie A club recently acknowledged that there is a 99% likelihood that the striker will go from the club this summer, owing to the activation of his contractual condition.

Furthermore, the club is eager to make a swift sale in order to promptly acquire their own targets. The existence of a release clause prevents any possibility of negotiating a larger sum, leaving the selling club with little advantage in prolonging the transfer process.

The Italian publication has also furnished an update regarding Riccardo Calafiori, who is being considered as a possible target for Manchester United.

The central defender and his club share a mutual intention to progress together, although this stance may be subject to alteration in light of exceptional offers that present themselves in terms of both financial and career advancement. These proposals are of such high calibre that even the administration of the rossoblù would not expect him to turn them down.

As to the article, “Chelsea and Arsenal are prepared to engage in a fierce competition.” The Gunners appear to be particularly confident, partly due to the favourable opinion offered by former Chelsea midfielder Jorginho.

Earlier reports have indicated that United have expressed interest in the Italian national player, and the president of Bologna has said that the club will entertain offers for the player during the upcoming summer.