Joshua Zirkzee’s future is one of the major talking points ahead of the summer transfer window as the Bologna rising star braces up for a high-profile switch.
Following a troubled first season in Serie A after swapping Bayern Munich for Renato Dall’Ara in the summer of 2022, the 22-year-old has blossomed in 2023/24.
Zirkzee’s scintillating form under Thiago Motta has turned him into one of Europe’s hottest properties, with sides all across Europe registering an interest in his services.
AC Milan and Juventus have shown more ambition to capture his signature than any other Italian club, but Calciomercato ranks Premier League title hopefuls Arsenal high in the picture.
Arsenal desperately need new centre-forward
It’s been a prolific campaign for the Gunners as they top the scoring charts in England’s top flight with a jaw-dropping 85 goals after 35 games, three more than second-placed Manchester City.
Mikel Arteta’s men have got the Emirates Stadium faithful used to high-scoring showings this term, netting 2+ goals in 69% of their league outings.
While the figures speak volumes, especially about a tremendous team effort, the division’s most lethal attack boasts just one player in the Premier League top-10 chart.
It’s Bukayo Saka. With 15 goals and nine assists, he’s tenth in the scoring leaderboard, while Kai Havertz sits narrowly below his teammate with 12 strikes.
Gabriel Jesus, largely thanks to his injury proneness and unorthodox style for a striker, is nowhere to be seen, suggesting Arsenal must land a new centre-forward this summer.
Zirkzee fits the bill
At 22, Zirkzee is the type of player Arsene Wenger would’ve snapped in a heartbeat.
Like Havertz and Jesus, he’s not an out-and-out striker, yet 11 goals in 32 appearances for one of the least prolific top-half Serie A sides indicate Zirkzee has a keen eye for goal.
Technically gifted and blessed with an impressive physique, the Dutch starlet has been a leading figure for Bologna as they bid to secure a top-four finish for the first time in the 21st century.
His influence on the team illustrates Zirkzee’s strong personality and character – attributes Arsenal, like all other top Premier League clubs, find mandatory when they purchase young talents.
Zirkzee is 6ft4, but despite his intimidating body stature, his movements in the front third are smooth, while he’s not shy from applying Harry Kane’s habits of dropping deep to help in the build-up play.
All that makes him a perfect fit for Arsenal.
Price tag high but not prohibitive
Bologna will ask for up to €60 million to sanction their most prized asset’s departure.
With numerous wealthy clubs in the mix, the Italians view this as an opportunity to make a club-record sale.
Zirkzee’s contract at Renato Dall’Ara runs out in 2026, meaning this summer is their best chance to get a maximum prize.
The figures could soar if the versatile forward explodes at the 2024 European Championship, and there’s no doubt that Bologna will not negotiate his transfer sooner.
However, Arsenal wouldn’t have to spend a fortune on the player’s salary, as he currently earns just under €1m net per year.
Italian competition
As aforementioned, Milan and Juventus have set their sights on the Netherlands international, with the latter already locked in talks with Bologna manager Motta.
Motta’s switch to Turin would put the Bianconeri in a pole position, though they’ve yet to settle things with under-pressure coach Massimiliano Allegri.
New Serie A champions Inter Milan have recently been touted as Zirkzee’s next destination, an unlikely scenario, considering they already have Lautaro Martinez and Marcus Thuram on their payroll.
But the Italian powerhouses can’t match Arsenal’s financial prowess.
Premier League rivals also in the frame
Calciomercato’s report details how Aston Villa and Manchester United have recently dispatched scouts to monitor Zirkzee’s progress.
United are in the market for a new striker following Rasmus Hojlund’s topsy-turvy maiden Premier League campaign.
Before making any move, they must address Erik ten Hag’s future, giving Arsenal more time and space to broker the youngster’s arrival.
Meanwhile, Villa’s interest should be taken with a grain of salt unless they plan to cash in on Ollie Watkins in the coming months.
