Arsenal have shown a strong interest in Bologna’s striker Joshua Zirkzee as they seek to bolster their attacking options under Mikel Arteta according to reports today.
The 22-year-old Dutch forward, who previously played for Bayern Munich, has made a significant impact at Bologna, scoring eight goals and providing four assists in 22 appearances this season. Standing at 6ft 4in, Zirkzee’s physical presence and skills would offer Arsenal a different type of option in their forward line.
The club’s need for a forward has become more pressing due to recent goal-scoring issues and injuries to key players like Gabriel Jesus. However, the financial aspect is a crucial factor for Arsenal, especially after their substantial summer spending of over £200 million. Bologna reportedly values Zirkzee at around £50 million, a fee that might pose a challenge for Arsenal given their current financial constraints. Arsenal’s interest has been reported in a few places but most recently from The Telegraph.
Arsenal’s recent form has been underwhelming, with only one win in their last five Premier League games, highlighting the need for a quality finisher like Zirkzee. He is not just a traditional number 9; his skills include good ball control, dribbling, passing, and also defensive contributions, making him a well-rounded player for the Gunners.
However, acquiring Zirkzee might not be straightforward. Bologna is not keen on selling him this transfer window, and his release clause is only valid for Bayern Munich. Despite these challenges, Arsenal is exploring various options, including loan deals with options to buy, as they look to navigate their financial limitations and still strengthen their squad.
This interest in Zirkzee comes amid Arsenal’s broader search for new strikers, with other names like Victor Osimhen, Ivan Toney, and Dusan Vlahovic also being linked with the club. However, their high transfer fees make them less feasible options for Arsenal in the current transfer window.
Arsenal’s pursuit of Zirkzee reflects their strategy to bring in a player who can add immediate value to their attack while also fitting into their financial plans and long-term vision given his age.