Arsenal is eyeing a major overhaul in their attacking lineup for the upcoming season, and their sights are set on 22-year-old Bologna striker Joshua Zirkzee. However, securing his services won’t come cheap, as the Gunners will need to break the bank with a staggering €80 million transfer fee, as reported by Gazzetta dello Sport via Sport Witness.
Zirkzee, who rose through the ranks at Bayern Munich before moving to Bologna in 2022, has been making waves in Serie A with his impressive performances. Despite a relatively subdued first season, where he managed only four goal contributions in less than 900 minutes, the Dutch striker has come into his own this campaign.
In the current season, Zirkzee has become a pivotal figure for Bologna, featuring regularly in the starting lineup and contributing significantly with 11 goals and six assists in 29 appearances across all competitions, accumulating over 2,300 minutes on the field. His stellar form has garnered attention from clubs across Europe, setting the stage for a potential bidding war in the upcoming transfer window.
While Bayern Munich holds a buyback clause for Zirkzee at a modest €40 million, Bologna is reportedly seeking double that amount for the talented striker. This hefty price tag poses a significant obstacle for Arsenal, who have been monitoring Zirkzee’s progress for some time.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is keen on bolstering his attacking options with a world-class striker, and Zirkzee fits the bill perfectly. However, negotiations could prove challenging due to Bologna’s valuation of the player, especially considering the club’s recent transfer dealings and their desire to maximize the return on Zirkzee’s potential departure.
The Gunners had initially hoped to secure Zirkzee’s signature for around €45 million, but his impressive goal-scoring streak has inflated his market value significantly. Bologna’s asking price of €80 million reflects their ambition and underscores the competitive nature of the transfer market.
Zirkzee’s journey from his early years in the Netherlands to his emergence as a sought-after striker in Serie A highlights his remarkable talent and potential. Born to a Nigerian mother and a Dutch father, Zirkzee’s footballing journey has seen him progress through various youth academies before making his mark on the European stage.
As Arsenal prepares to navigate the complexities of the summer transfer window, the pursuit of Joshua Zirkzee promises to be a captivating storyline, with the Gunners determined to strengthen their attacking arsenal ahead of the new season.
