Parma have jumped ahead of Everton in the battle to sign Bayern Munich’s Dutch youngster Joshua Zirkzee, according to Sky Sports [Transfer Centre, 28/1/21, 09:47] – but the Toffees are not out of the race.
Conversely, separate updates from Italian transfer expert Fabrizio Romano should offer hope to the Goodison Park faithful.
Fabrizio’s initial update on the situation on Wednesday was rather cryptic, claiming that whilst Parma offered a more obvious route to regular game-time and senior football, Everton had a ‘different project’ lined up.
Everton and Parma are still working to sign Joshua Zirkzee. The race is open, talks at final stage with Bayer Münich. Parma are offering Zirkzee the chance to be a regular starter in their XI, #EFC have a different project for him. Work in progress. 🇳🇱 #Zirkzee
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 27, 2021
That cryptic clue may involve less exposure for the youngster under the tutelage of Carlo Ancelotti, although the update remains ambiguous.
Romano then issued further updates, claiming that Zirkzee ‘is getting closer to Parma’, with the Serie A side ‘ahead’ of Everton. A deal with Parma is in the ‘final stages’ and the club is ‘waiting for [a] final answer from Bayern Munich’.
Joshua Zirkzee is getting closer to Parma, they’re ahead of Everton as of today. Deal at final stages waiting for final answer from Bayern Münich, then will be completed. Loan with buy option around €15m. He’d be a starter in Serie A. 🔵 #Parma #EFC @MatteMoretto https://t.co/KojivBM2vf
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 28, 2021
Read Everton Verdict
It is telling that Romano does not rule out Everton as a potential destination, and the Toffees are not completely out of the running.
Bayern are unlikely to hold any preferences between the two clubs, given that previous reports have shown that both Parma and Everton are matching their respective offers.
Parma certainly seem more proactive and have exhibited strong institutional agency in opening and securing talks for Zirkzee, and the prospect of regular senior football at just 19 years of age is enticing.
The focus of Everton’s window was always likely to surround departures, and so there may be at least some acceptance that the Toffees would not oust Parma in the race for Zirkzee’s signature.
