Arsenal will have to break the bank and fork out €80 million to acquire the services of 22-year-old Bologna striker Joshua Zirkzee.
According to Gazzetta dello Sport via Sport Witness, Arsenal are keen on reinforcing their attack ahead of next season. The Gunners want to bring a new number nine, and they have their eyes set on Joshua Zirkzee who will cost them a fortune at around €80 million.
Joshua Zirkzee and his rise at Bologna
Joshua Zirkzee came up the ranks at Bayern Munich before joining Bologna in the summer of 2022. Things might not have worked out for him at the German club, but he has done a great job since making the move to Italy. Not only has he gone from strength to strength, but his impressive performances have also made him the talk of the town.
In his first season at the Serie A club, he racked up less than 900 minutes of first-team football and could only contribute towards four goals. Things have improved a lot since last season. The 22-year-old is a regular feature in their first team, and he has contributed towards 17 goals.
In his 29 outings in all competitions, he has racked up over 2,300 minutes and has contributed with 11 goals and six assists. His impressive form has resulted in interest from across Europe, and we could be in for a bidding war in the summer.
Meanwhile, Bayern Munich have a buyback clause with the help of which they can sign the 22-year-old for just €40 million. But, if they decide not to use it, then Bologna will be free to ask whatever fee they want for their star.
Bologna’s massive price tag
The report suggests Bologna are looking to make €80 million from the departure of the Dutch striker, who has been on the radar of Arsenal for a while now. The Gunners have been keeping a close eye on Zirkzee as they look to bring in a new world-class striker.
Mikel Arteta is not happy with the output of his current strikers, and he is keen on adding someone who has a different profile, and the 22-year-old fits the bill. They were hoping that good relations with the player’s representatives could help them secure a deal.
But, unfortunately, the price tag could become a huge barrier. The Gunners have been linked with him for a while now, and reports back in February suggested that the Dutch striker would cost them around €45 million.
But, his goalscoring streak has increased his value at a significant rate. Bologna are willing to sanction his sale, but they want €80 million and their valuation has a lot to do with Rasmus Hojlund’s big-money move to Manchester United.
