After sealing Emil Holm’s arrival from Spezia, Bologna turn to other targets, identifying Celta Vigo’s Jorgen Strand Larsen as a potential replacement for Joshua Zirkzee. Sportitalia journalist Alfredo Pedulla claims the Norway international has emerged as the likeliest candidate to fill the Dutchman’s shoes next term.
Despite protracted negotiations between Milan and Zirkzee’s agent, Kia Joorabchian, Bologna have already reconciled with losing their prodigious forward. The Netherlands international was the cornerstone of Thiago Motta’s frontline last season and the main ingredient behind Bologna’s incredible fifth-place finish in Serie A.
However, Bologna will fall victim to their sensational Champions League qualification. With Zirkzee destined for a high-profile transfer, Strand Larsen could spearhead Vincenzo Italiano’s attack next season. The 24-year-old, who had a brief spell in the Milan academy in 2017/18, enjoyed a superb season at Celta.
Though the Balaidos outfit fought tooth and nail to avoid relegation from La Liga, Strand Larsen tallied 13 goals and three assists in 37 league appearances. It could be enough to earn him a switch to Bologna, but the Rossoblu aren’t alone in the race to sign the former FC Groningen center-forward.
Beleaguered Serie A giants Napoli are ready to rival Bologna for Strand Larsen’s services as they prepare for life after Victor Osimhen. Celta forked out €12.4 million to land the Norwegian in 2021 and will look for almost double that amount to sanction his departure. But it shouldn’t be a problem for Bologna, considering Zirkzee’s €40m release clause.
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