Arsenal have the perfect project for Bologna striker Joshua Zirkzee

Arsenal have the perfect project for Bologna striker Joshua Zirkzee, according to Gazzetta dello Sport.

The Gunners are widely expected to sign a centre-forward during the summer and they have been linked with multiple names including Zirkzee.

The Dutchman has had a good second season at Bologna, registering 11 goals and six assists from 31 appearances across all competitions.

His statistics are not exemplary but his presence in and around the box has impressed several clubs.

Gazzetta dello Sport (page 8) today claim that AC Milan are interested in signing him and could be prepared to negotiate a part-exchange deal.

The Rossoneri are willing to offer €50 million plus Alexis Saelemaekers as a makeweight in order to convince Bologna to part ways with Zirkzee.

However, the Serie A outfit are eyeing between €70-80m in cash. Rasmus Hojlund’s move to Manchester United is being used as a benchmark by them.

This is where Arsenal get mentioned. It is claimed that they have the ‘perfect project’ in place for Zirkzee.

Arsenal should avoid move for Zirkzee

The 22-year-old has shown vast improvement during his second campaign at Bologna, but he has managed only 17 goal contributions thus far.

In our view, the Gunners need a more high-profile striker if they want to challenge with the likes of Manchester City and Liverpool for the Premier League title.

Zirkzee can’t be the answer to their concerns up front. For the price mentioned, the club should focus on landing Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting instead.

The Swede has been a revelation in his debut season at Sporting. He has registered a staggering 36 goals and 15 assists from just 41 games for the club.

He currently has a release clause of €100m in his contract, but Sporting are reportedly willing to lower their demands for the ex-Coventry City striker.

The 25-year-old would be a vastly better signing than Zirkzee, who could take a season or two to become consistent. Arsenal can’t play the waiting game.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com