Arsenal want Bologna striker Joshua Zirkzee

Arsenal are interested in signing Bologna striker Joshua Zirkzee as they look to bolster their attacking ranks during the January transfer window, according to the Daily Telegraph.

The Gunners are keeping a close eye on the 6ft 4in hitman, but the Serie A club would want a fee in the region of £50 million for his services.

Arsenal may not be able to splash the cash this month as they look to avoid breaking Financial Fair Play (FFP) rules, and a summer deal may be more realistic.

The North Londoners have also been linked with an interest in Getafe striker Borja Mayoral as they are desperate to strengthen their attack ahead of the second half of the campaign.

Both Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah have failed to impress as manager Mikel Arteta would have desired, while Kai Havertz and Leandro Trossard have not proven themselves when leading the line.

Arsenal have won just one of their last five Premier League games and were dumped out of the FA Cup by Liverpool on Sunday due to their lack of quality finishers.

Zirkzee fits the bill given the qualities and aerial presence he brings to the table, but Bologna are unwilling to sell him this month, and the release clause in his contract is only valid for his former club Bayern Munich.

The 22-year-old has bagged eight goals and two assists in 21 games across all competitions this term and is also on the radar of Manchester United.

The Dutchman notched 16 goals and nine assists while on loan with Anderlecht in 2021-22 before moving to Bologna the following season, and a move to Arsenal this month could appeal to him.

Zirkee is not just a traditional number 9 and target man, the Bayern academy graduate is also comfortable with the ball at his feet, can dribble and pass well and is also solid defensively, capable of helping to defend with his tackling ability, and the Gunners could do with such a complete player leading their attack.