Joshua Zirkzee, a striker for Bologna, is reportedly more likely to sign with Arsenal than AC Milan this summer, according to Italian publication Gazzetta dello Sport.
Zirkzee has been identified as one of the top targets for the Gunners, who are expected to sign a new center-forward before the start of the next campaign. According to Gazzetta dello Sport, Milan has recognized the Dutchman as a top striker contender; however, they will have to contend with fierce competition from the Premier League.
According to the same source, Arsenal is “above all” in the competition to sign the former young player for Bayern Munich. Despite all the odds, Bologna recently made it into the Champions League; however, because of the £34 million release clause in his contract, the Serie A team may still lose their valued player.
strong potential
Zirkzee’s first season with Bologna was challenging the previous season, but he has settled in this year. In all competitions, the Dutchman has accumulated 12 goals and 7 assists. It’s possible that he played his last game for his team, given that he recently suffered a hamstring injury against Napoli in Serie A.
There is a lot of potential in the 22-year-old, so it wouldn’t surprise us if Arsenal made a formal approach. Manager Mikel Arteta’s plans may need to be altered because Kai Havertz performed admirably in the no. 9 position toward the end of the campaign. Maybe a young, up-and-coming star would be more his style than a big-name striker.
Zirkzee would be included in that group. He is a contemporary striker with the ability to link plays by slipping into deeper attacking positions. The former Anderlecht player has drawn attention with his dribbling and quickness in getting past opponents. Rather than expecting him to start for them right away, Arsenal might view him as a star of the future.
Given that his contract has a comparatively low release clause, Arsenal should have no problem paying the entire amount at once. Milan is also actively pursuing the gifted marksman, but they might not have the resources to match the Gunners in terms of pay.
