As far as Bologna is concerned, there is no talk of a transfer for Joshua Zirkzee this winter. Technical director Marco Di Vaio does not answer the phone when clubs inquire about the 22-year-old forward, who is rapidly gaining recognition in Serie A.
Zirkzee's journey from Bayern Munich to Bologna for 8.5 million euros last year marked the beginning of a season where he often found himself playing second fiddle to Marko Arnautovic.
However, with the Austrian forward's move to Internazionale, Zirkzee has emerged as a shining star on the Italian football scene, making noteworthy contributions almost every week. In the current Serie A season alone, the young international has notched up seven goals and provided two assists, earning him widespread acclaim in the Italian sports media as the attacking linchpin for the Rossoblù.
As discussions about Zirkzee's future unfold, an interview with Marco Di Vaio conducted by La Gazzetta dello Sport is set to shed light on Thursday. The former striker, known for his time at Juventus, Parma, and Valencia, is now at the helm of his old club's transfer policy. In a statement to the pink sports newspaper, he firmly asserts that Zirkzee will not be leaving in January, emphasizing that they haven't received any inquiries, and even if they did, they wouldn't entertain them.
Recent weeks have seen foreign media buzzing with reports about a contract clause allowing Zirkzee to be acquired for a fixed amount of forty million euros in the summer at the Stadio Renato Dall'Ara. Di Vaio clarifies that this clause is exclusive to Bayern, granting the German powerhouse the option to bring Zirkzee back. He makes it unequivocally clear that when it comes to other clubs, Bologna has the upper hand in negotiations, emphasizing their authority in determining Zirkzee's fate.
Zirkzee's meteoric rise has led to comparisons with legendary attackers of the past. Yet, according to Di Vaio, Bologna possesses a truly unique player in the form of the former Feyenoord youth player. Describing Zirkzee as a '9.5,' the ex-Italy international alludes to his distinctive style of play, often involving a dynamic shift back from the striker position. In Di Vaio's eyes, Zirkzee defies comparison, standing out as a singular talent that Bologna is determined to retain.
Beyond Zirkzee's future, the spotlight also extends to Thiago Motta, the coach instrumental in unlocking Zirkzee's potential this season. Di Vaio expresses the club's desire to retain the services of the promising 41-year-old coach, citing Bologna as an environment where he can continue to evolve and implement his coaching philosophy. The technical director dismisses concerns about larger clubs poaching Motta, underscoring the developmental platform that Bologna offers and expressing optimism about a continued partnership, especially if European football becomes part of the equation.
