So Joshua Zirkzee is keen to sign for Arsenal from Bologna in the summer transfer window it seems.
Well-renowned Italian football journalist Alfredo Pedulla made the claim via his website a couple of days ago now.
The 22-year-old Dutchman has played a key role for Thiago Motta’s Bologna this season, and they’re well on track to finish inside the Champions League spots.
He has a lot of assets that would suit Premier League football. He’s powerful, possesses decent pace and he stands at 6ft 4in tall.
However, for all the good that he does, I just don’t think he’s the man that Arsenal need, and certainly not for the money that is being discussed…
Pedulla has speculated as to how much money it will take to prise the former Bayern Munich man away from Bologna.
The Italian journalist claims that the Serie A side could demand as much as €70 million (£60 million) for Zirkzee, and the player himself will demand a €5 million (£4.3 million) per year salary – £83k-a-week – plus bonuses!
That is such a serious outlay for someone who is only 22 and completely unproven in the Premier League.
There’s no denying that Zirkzee is a very talented young forward.
However, his record of just 14 goals and nine assists in 57 games for Bologna is hardly impressive is it. He bagged 18 goals in 47 games for Anderlecht and just four in 17 for Bayern Munich.
Arsenal need to sign a killer in front of goal this summer. Viktor Gyokeres or Victor Osimhen would be sensational additions.
I even think that Brentford ace Ivan Toney would be a much better signing for the Gunners than Joshua Zirkzee.
Mikel Arteta needs to avoid a move for the Dutch hitman this summer, and sign a striker who is all about putting the ball in the back of the net.
£60 million plus on a striker who may well flop completely in England is just too much of a risk to take for the north Londoners.
If the Gunners boss is intent on signing a young striker with a high ceiling though, Benjamin Šeško should be his man.
