Arsenal have a great chance of signing Bologna striker Joshua Zirkzee for a couple of reasons, according to Gazzetta dello Sport (page 2).
The Gunners are on the search for a marquee centre-forward this summer and they have regularly been linked with Zirkzee in the past few months.
It was recently revealed that the club have made a €115,000-a-week contract offer and Gazzetta dello Sport highlight that they are now favourites to sign Zirkzee.
The likes of Inter Milan and AC Milan have been credited with an interest in his services, but it is claimed that the ‘real threat’ is from the Premier League.
Arsenal reportedly have a ‘great chance’ of signing Zirkzee as they can spend the money required to convince Bologna into doing business with them.
Furthermore, it is suggested that the Gunners have the ‘perfect style of play’ to persuade the striker.
Zirkzee to Arsenal speculation could be agent-driven
The 22-year-old has had an improved second season at Bologna. He has registered 12 goals and seven assists from 34 appearances across all competitions.
Aside from his goal involvements, Zirkzee has caught the eye with his hold-up and link-up play. He has created 10 big chances in the Italian top-flight alone.
Despite this, we are not entirely convinced that he could be Arsenal’s prime striker target.
Zirkzee’s current record is not exemplary and he may require another season or two to develop into an elite striker. Arsenal won’t want to play the waiting game.
Bologna’s transfer demands of €70-80 million could be another deal-breaker. Arsenal may not make such a huge outlay for someone who is relatively inexperienced.
In our view, the speculation could be agent-driven. Arsenal’s name is probably being used to invite proposals from Inter and Milan who are among his admirers.
Bayern currently have the option to buy him back for €40m. The reported interest could be another ploy to persuade the German giants into re-signing him this summer.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com
