After losing out on the Premier League title to Manchester City by just two points, Mikel Arteta is keen to bolster his squad. With a few quality signings, the Gunners will be looking to challenge Pep Guardiola’s side for the title for the third consecutive season. Rumors suggest that Arsenal are preparing a bid for Bologna star striker Joshua Zirkzee. The Dutch striker’s 11 goals in Serie A secured UEFA Champions League qualification for Bologna for the first time in the club’s history.
The Gunners scored a remarkable 91 goals in their 38 Premier League games this season. Bukayo Saka top-scored for Arsenal with 16 goals, while Kai Havertz (13) and Leandro Trossard (12) also managed double-figure returns. While Havertz had a terrific season, he is not an out-and-out striker. Arteta seems to be interested in Zirkzee leading the line.
The 23-year-old striker came up through the youth ranks at Bayern Munich. After failing to secure a starting spot there, he was sent out on loan to Parma and Anderlecht before Bologna secured his services on a permanent deal worth around £7 million. Joshua Zirkzee has represented his nation at various youth levels and will be hopeful of a senior call-up soon.
The 6ft 4in striker is a good finisher but also an excellent player in the build-up. He possesses excellent passing and dribbling abilities for a striker. His physicality also adds an extra dimension to the attack. While many clubs, including AC Milan and Juventus, are said to be in the race for the Dutch, Arsenal appear to be the favourites.
However, Joshua Zirkzee staying at Bologna for another season is also a real possibility. Speaking to Corriere di Bologna, the striker said, “At the moment my mind is only in Bologna. I’d choose the best for the club. I will only do what makes sense in my heart. It’s clear that for me it would be wonderful to defend this goal achieved together. What we experienced in Piazza Maggiore was unforgettable.”
Finances won’t be an issue for the Gunners. The Serie A U-23 Player of the Season reportedly has a £34 million release clause in his contract. If the striker does end up making the move to North London, Arteta could deploy him as the main striker. Havertz could then drop deeper to partner Martin Odegaard in the midfield. However, with no reputed journalist mentioning anything about Joshua Zirkzee recently, any move remains a long way from being completed.
