Arsenal are willing to go big in the summer to acquire the services of 22-year-old Bologna striker target Joshua Zirkzee.
According to Gazzetta dello Sport via SportWitness, Arsenal are will go looking for a top-quality striker in the summer. Mikel Arteta is not really happy about the output of his forwards in front of goal and they are looking for potential targets. Joshua Zirkzee is a player they feel can help their cause.
Zirkzee joined the Bayern Munich youth ranks back in the summer of 2017. He went up the ranks at pace and made it to the first team in a few year’s time. But, things didn’t really go according to plan and eventually, he left them to join Bologna in the summer of 2022.
Since joining the Italian club, the 22-year-old has gone from strength to strength. His impressive performances if what have attracted the attention of the Gunners. Their strikers haven’t scored enough goals of late and they want a new number nine to lead their project.
The Gunners feel the former Dutch youth international is the perfect fit as he will get better with time and can help them in the long run. Arsenal are quite serious about their pursuit and are willing to make a move in the summer. The north club are willing to splash the cash and have set aside €50 million to land the 22-year-old at the club.
But, there is a slight problem because of what happened with Manchester United in the summer. The Red Devils were keen on signing a new number nine and they ended up spending €70 million plus €10 million in bonuses to sign 20-year-old Rasmus Højlund from Atalanta. That transfer has set a new benchmark for a striker with potential. The Italian club feels Zirkzee could bring in a similar fee.
The Red Devils also need a new striker and the 22-year-old is one of the names on their radar. And, they are willing to battle it out with the Gunners. Given their recent takeover, they might have a better financial situation than Arsenal in the summer.
Meanwhile, Bologna’s technical director Giovanni Sartori is taking that Hojlund deal as a reference and are looking to make €80 million from his sale. A fee that the Gunners might not be ready to spend on a 22-year-old who is not a proven Premier League product.
On top of that Bayern have a buy-back option for €40 million as well as 40% on a future sale. A €80 million sale will result in a significant capital gain for the German giants. As things stand, the Gunners might have to do a lot more than just €50 million, they have to try adding a few bonuses or bring in funds if they want to add Zirkzee to their ranks.
