Manchester United and Arsenal face battle for AC Milan target Joshua Zirkzee - Paper Round

Manchester United and Arsenal face competition from AC Milan for Bologna striker Joshua Zirkzee, with Juventus also linked with the player.

The youngster prefers a move to AC Milan, according to The Mirror, and he is likely to leave in the summer.

The paper writes: “Manchester United and Arsenal target Joshua Zirkzee is understood to prefer a move to AC Milan and has told his agents to pave the way for his dream transfer.

“The 22-year-old has impressed for Bologna this season with 10 goals and four assists in 28 matches, helping Bologna to fourth in Serie A and on track to qualify for the Champions League. However, the Dutchman is expected to move on and leave the club this summer, despite signing from Bayern Munich less than two years ago.

“There is no shortage of interested parties for his signature with United, Arsenal and Juventus among the clubs linked with the talented forward.

"Zirkzee's preference is Milan and he has instructed his representatives to figure out the proposed move.

“It's said that the Rossoneri are considering a bid in the region of £42.9million and the full ownership of Alexis Saelemaekers, who has shone while on loan at Bologna this season.”

Thomas Partey wants to remain at Arsenal, with the player interested in extending his contract with the club.

However, The Sun suggests that Mikel Arteta may be ready to sell him to raise funds.

The paper explains: “Thomas Partey has hinted he wants to extend his contract at Arsenal.

“The Gunners midfielder’s deal expires next summer – having joined from Atletico Madrid in October 2020 for £45m - but there have so far been no talks over a fresh offer.

“There is speculation that Mikel Arteta may look to cash in on the 30-year-old this summer ahead of another recruitment drive.

“Juventus have previously been interested, while Partey has also been linked to a switch to the Saudi Pro League.”

Sporting manager Ruben Amorim could move to the Premier League this summer.

The Daily Mail believes that Liverpool are one potential destination as they look to replace Jurgen Klopp, while Chelsea and Manchester United could also be interested.

The paper writes: “Ruben Amorim is open to a Premier League job amid major interest from Liverpool.

“The Sporting Lisbon head coach is fast emerging as one of the most sought-after bosses in Europe football heading into the summer, with the Portuguese a leading contender to replace the outgoing Jurgen Klopp ahead of next season.

“And Mail Sport understands Amorim’s camp are actively exploring potential Premier League opportunities as he weighs up his next step.

‘But while Liverpool are aware of Amorim’s willingness to come to England, the 39 year old is likely to have a number of options heading into next season should he decide to leave Sporting.

“Chelsea are long term admirers of Amorim but have distanced themselves from a summer move for the highly-rated coach amid doubts over the future of Mauricio Pochettino; while Manchester United may be looking for a new manager amid uncertainty over INEOS’ commitment to Erik ten Hag.”

Manchester United could hire more senior backroom staff as Sir Jim Ratcliffe builds out his setup.

The Athletic reports that a chief business officer could soon be appointed.

The paper states: “Manchester United want to recruit a chief business officer to report into their incoming chief executive Omar Berrada.

“United are scouring the market for someone to come in and lead business operations, which would see them oversee the club’s revenue-generating departments.

“This means their remit would include all commercial-related activity, such as sponsorships and e-commerce.

“The Athletic revealed in January that United were appointing Berrada, who was then serving as City Football Group’s — the multi-club model that includes Manchester City — chief operations officer, to become their new chief executive, replacing Richard Arnold, who left in December.”

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