Arsenal ready to accelerate move for Joshua Zirkzee, contract offer on table
|Arsenal are ready to accelerate for the signature of Bologna striker Joshua Zirkzee, according to TuttoSport.
The Gunners are likely to sign a new centre-forward this summer and Zirkzee has been linked regularly.
It is now reported that the club have tracked him on several occasions and they are pleased with his performances.
Mikel Arteta’s side have him at the top of their wishlist and are prepared to step up their pursuit in the coming weeks.
TuttoSport add that the Gunners have already contacted his agent Kia Joorabchian.
It is claimed that he already has an offer of €6 million per year (€115k per week) on the table for the striker until June 2029.
Bayern have the option to re-sign him for €40m, but the striker is not keen on a return to Munich.
Zirkzee has plenty to prove at the highest level
The Dutchman is currently in his second season at Bologna. He has registered 12 goals and seven assists from 34 outings.
His statistics are not exemplary, but the Gunners seem to be impressed by his potential and current playing style.
The 22-year-old averages 21 passes per league game and has also excelled with his link-up play and creativity.
He likes to drop into deeper attacking positions and has created 11 big chances in the Italian top-flight.
Despite this, he still has plenty to prove at the highest level and has yet to develop into a complete striker.
In our view, the Gunners should look at alternate and better options in the transfer market.
With Bologna on course for Champions League qualification, they are unlikely to sanction his sale on the cheap.
With a price tag of €70m, Arsenal could be better off focusing on Sporting’s Viktor Gyokeres.
Gyokeres has a stunning tally of 38 goals and 16 assists this term and has a €100m release clause in his contract.
It has been reported that Sporting could be willing to negotiate a lesser fee for his sale.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com