In a recent print edition, Gazzetta dello Sport (Page 12) revealed that Arsenal are locked in a three-way battle for Bologna striker Joshua Zirkzee. It has been mentioned that the Gunners could face competition in the form of AC Milan and Manchester United in the race to sign the Dutch centre-forward this summer.
Zirkzee’s Impressive Form In Italian Football This Season
Zirkzee is enjoying a decent campaign at Bologna as he has been responsible for putting in a series of impressive performances for them on the offensive end of the field. The 22-year-old has banged in 11 goals and secured six assists in 30 appearances for the Italian outfit this season in all competitions.
The Dutch attacker has led the line for the Italian club and deserves credit for averaging 2.7 shots, 1.4 key passes and 1.5 dribbles per 90 minutes in Serie A. He has even been tidy when distributing the ball in the final third based on his pass success rate of 76.8% in the top tier of Italian football (stats via whoscored).
Zirkzee is under contract at the Italian club will expire in the summer of 2026. Therefore, Arsenal would have to launch a convincing offer if they are serious about signing the Dutch striker in the upcoming transfer period.
What Will Zirkzee Bring To Arsenal?
Zirkzee is proficient at creating a yard of space for himself to get some strikes in at goal. He has got the vision to engineer some inviting chances for his teammates in the opponent’s half and is a good dribbler with the ball at his feet.
The Dutch attacker has added some goals to his game this season but needs to find a way to improve his numbers in front of the opponent’s goal. He is primarily a centre-forward but can also play alongside someone else up top if needed.
We can expect Zirkzee to bring more quality and depth to Arsenal‘s frontline. He has what it takes to compete with Gabriel Jesus for a regular starting spot in Mikel Arteta‘s first team in the coming years.
At 22, Zirkzee has got the potential to become a world-class striker someday. Thus, the Gunners should consider going all out to lure him to the Emirates Stadium at the end of this season.
