According to Corriere dello Sport via TEAMtalk, Chelsea are considering a move for Joshua Zirkzee. The 22-year-old has impressed at Bologna this season, garnering attention from a host of European giants. Zirkzee made a brave decision to leave Bayern Munich in 2022 but has proven his worth after dropping down.
Manchester United, Juventus, AC Milan, AS Roma and Barcelona are credited with an interest, so Chelsea risk missing out. The Blues are struggling in the Premier League despite a lofty summer spend, so they’re not an attractive proposition. Mauricio Pochettino would love a prolific striker like the Netherlands U21 international, however.
Zirkzee has made 28 appearances in all competitions this season, scoring 10 goals with six assists. The 22-year-old struggled last season, netting only twice from 19 league outings in an injury-hit campaign, so he’s developing well.
Bologna paid Bayern €8.5m (£7.3m) for Zirkzee two years ago, but his market value has risen to €30m (£25.7m). Technical director Marco Di Vaio told Gazzetta dello Sport via Football Oranje that Zirkzee has a €25m (£21.4m) buyback clause. He could therefore return to Bayern for cheap, but Chelsea would like to hijack any potential deal.
Pochettino has Nicolas Jackson who can lead the line, but he’s inconsistent where it counts. The 22-year-old has seven goals from 22 Premier League games and hasn’t netted since December 2023.
Raheem Sterling has 12 goal contributions in the league but is a natural on the left-wing. There’s also Christopher Nkunku who’s struggling with injuries and Cole Palmer who shines in a deeper role. Chelsea admire Brentford’s Ivan Toney and Napoli’s Victor Osimhen, but it remains to be seen who they’ll sign.
Zirkzee left Bayern for more playing time but could return to the Allianz Arena with how impressive he’s been.
In other news, Chelsea are considering a move for Mathys Tel to solve their striker problem
