Super-agent Kia Joorabchian has his sights on bringing Bologna striker Joshua Zirkzee to Arsenal this summer, according to Corriere dello Sport.
The Dutchman has had a good second season with Bologna, registering 12 goals and seven assists in 37 appearances across all competitions.
Zirkzee is currently sidelined with a hamstring injury, but this has not stopped the speculation about him leaving Bologna in the next transfer window.
Corriere dello Sport (page 7) claim that Arsenal are trying to sign the 22-year-old from the Serie A outfit.
Joorabchian also wants to bring the young striker to the club where his ‘great friend’ and sporting director Edu Gaspar is ‘waiting with open arms’.
Arsenal have already proposed a four-year deal worth €6 million (£5.15m) per year plus bonuses for Zirkzee, but the forward would prefer to stay in Italy.
AC Milan are putting pressure on his agent to broker a deal with Bologna.
Arsenal have big decision to make over new striker
The Gunners have had an excellent second half to the Premier League season. They have picked up 46 points from a possible 51 but could still miss out on the title.
Arsenal could go on to regret some of their league defeats. The losses to West Ham United and Fulham before the New Year were primarily due to poor finishing.
Mikel Arteta’s side need another reliable goalscorer despite Kai Havertz finding his feet from the number nine position over the past four months.
Zirkzee does not appear to be the solution. He is still learning his trade and has yet to become consistent enough. He has scored just 12 goals this term.
Bayern have a buy-back clause worth £34 million, but that also appears to be valid for other clubs, according to Corriere dello Sport.
Despite the low transfer figure, Arsenal should look elsewhere for a striker. Zirkzee would be a good back-up, but should not be the main man up front next season.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com.
