Bologna star Joshua Zirkzee is the latest player to be linked with a switch to the Emirates Stadium. Arsenal are admirers of the 22-year-old and are keeping a close eye on Zirkzee as they consider potential targets who could strengthen Arteta’s attack, according to The Telegraph.
Zirkzee has scored eight goals and registered four assists in 22 appearances for Bologna this season. At 6ft 4in, he would offer a different type of option in attack for Arteta’s side.
Any move for a new forward is thought to be highly complicated this month, however. The report adds Bologna would want a fee in the region of £50million – a valuation Arsenal would struggle to match this month.
Arsenal are open to doing business in January but need to be careful with their finances. The feeling within the club is that their squad is currently well-balanced, when everyone is fit, and that any new arrivals would have to be able to greatly strengthen the team.
Bologna have made it clear that they have no intention of selling Zirkzee this winter, with sporting director Marco Di Vaio saying last month that the Dutchman is a “unique” player. Di Vaio also said Zirkzee has a release clause but that is only valid for Bayern Munich, who signed the striker from Feyenoord when he was a teenager.
Zirkzee would offer a different profile in attack for Arteta, with the Dutchman’s height and physicality being something that the Gunners sorely miss at present.
The 22-year-old would slot straight into attack alongside Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka. Zirkzee would be a great option to link up play with Arsenal’s star wingers, using his height to hold up play whilst being equipped with enough pace to threaten in behind as well.
Zirkzee’s height and aerial presence would give the Gunners a focal point in attack when they look to cross from wide positions and at set pieces. The Dutch forward’s qualities mean he could rotate with Saka and Martinelli in attack, maintaining the fluidity that Arteta wants from his forwards.
A look at how the north Londoners could line up if they sign Zirkzee
Starting Line-up: Raya, White, Gabriel, Saliba, Zinchenko; Rice, Odegaard, Havertz; Martinelli, Zirkzee, Saka.
