Arsenal and Manchester United have suffered a blow in their rumoured interest of Bologna striker Joshua Zirkzee, who has been valued at £50m.
After arriving at the Stadio Renato Dall'Ara for €8.5m (£7.3m) from Bayern Munich in 2022, Zirkzee has now kicked on in his second season at the club.
Under the stewardship of up-and-coming manager Thiago Motta, Zirkzee has been one of the outstanding forwards in Serie A this season, as Bologna chase an unlikely top-four finish.
The Rossoblu are currently suffering from a drop in form, but are still in the top seven, just two points shy of fourth-placed Fiorentina.
Defensive solidity has been the key behind their success, but Zirkzee's seven league goals represent just under one-third of Bologna's tally so far.
The 22-year-old was also instrumental in their memorable 2-1 win away at Inter Milan in the Coppa Italia at the end of 2023, setting up their two late goals in extra time to record a famous come-from-behind victory at San Siro.
Amid interest from the Premier League, Bologna sporting director and former striker Marco Di Vaio has told Gazzetta dello Sport that a release clause in Zirkzee's contract can only be activated by his former club Bayern.
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That clause is believed to be £34m, but after spending big on Harry Kane over the summer, it is unlikely Bayern will spend a large sum again on another striker.
Therefore, for other clubs, Bologna have valued Zirkzee at £50m, potentially pricing Arsenal and Man United out of a move for the Dutchman.
The Gunners are currently suffering themselves, mainly due to a misfiring attack that has scored only five goals in seven games.
That has contributed to just one win in that time, as well as three straight defeats post-Christmas.
Gabriel Jesus has come in for criticism in particular, as the Brazilian has scored just three Premier League goals in 15 appearances this season, as rumours that Arsenal could sign another striker intensify.
Man United have also been profligate in attack this season, scoring just 24 goals in their 21 league games so far.
However, after needing 15 games to notch his first Premier League goal, summer signing Rasmus Hojlund appears to be finding his feet, after another fine strike against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.
Andrew Delaney
