Bayern Munich are yet to make a decision on the future of Joshua Zirkzee, who is currently at Bologna in Serie A, but who has a buy-back clause that could see him return to the Allianz Arena.
According to Fabrizio Romano, speaking exclusively to CaughtOffside for his latest Daily Briefing column, the Zirkzee situation will be looked at later, and is not related to the fact that Bayern have just tied another talented young striker, Mathys Tel, down to a new contract.
Zirkzee has recently been linked with Arsenal by Gazzetta dello Sport, as cited and translated by Sport Witness, and the 22-year-old is expected to cost around €80million.
The Gunners could perhaps do with strengthening up front as doubts remain over both Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah, neither of whom are really 20-25-goal-a-season players, while Jesus has also spent a lot of time out injured since joining from Manchester City last season.
Zirkzee could be a good option, but it seems Bayern will decide what to do with him once they finalise a deal for a new manager, with Thomas Tuchel recently announcing that he’d be leaving the Allianz Arena at the end of this campaign.
Zirkzee transfer: Arsenal target’s future not linked to new Tel Bayern deal, says Romano
“Big news for Bayern Munich yesterday as it was confirmed that Mathys Tel has signed a new contract with the club after positive talks over his future in their project. Tel feels really good at Bayern and wants to stay and become a club legend. Despite rumours, there was never any truth to the links with Manchester United,” Romano said.
“Bayern were keen to keep Tel happy with this new deal, but, despite what some fans are asking me, it is entirely separate from the situation with Joshua Zirkzee and Bayern’s buy-back clause for the talented Dutch striker, who is currently looking very impressive with Bologna in Serie A.
“Bayern have the option to re-sign Zirkzee, but for now my understanding is that they will decide on Zirkzee as soon as they will have new manager. Discussions will take place later this year, but of course first they need to sort out their replacement for Thomas Tuchel when he leaves the job at the end of the season.”