While Arsenal are playing great football these days, they are doing so without a real number nine, as Gabriel Jesus isn’t exactly the most natural of goalscorers.
This is shown by the fact Bukayo Saka is the club’s top scorer this season, followed by the likes of Leandro Trossard and Martin Ødegaard.
That’s why the idea that Arsenal could sign a proper striker this summer is a realistic one, and Gazzetta dello Sport, as has often been the case this year, link them with Joshua Zirkzee.
The Dutchman has been one of the pleasant surprises of the Serie A campaign this year, scoring 11 goals and assisting another six in 31 appearances, which is why a number of clubs, including the Gunners, are reportedly interested in him.
While his statistics aren’t the most impressive, it’s his presence that has caught the attention, and that’s why it’s suggested Arsenal might be keen.
Gazzetta have a lengthy article about AC Milan’s interest in him and how they could try and convince Bologna to sell with a €50m bid plus Alexis Saelemaekers, but other teams, like those in the Premier League could offer more cash.
It’s recalled that the Rasmus Højlund deal last season is what the Italians are using as a benchmark for their valuation of the 22-year-old, which is why €70-80m could be their demands.
That’s money Arsenal could end up having with a high finish in the Premier League, some sales and Champions League football, and it’s said they have the ‘perfect project’ in place for Zirkzee.
Gazzetta explain that if the Gunners, or any other interested big club, like Real Madrid or Paris Saint-Germain, arrive in Italy ‘with a luggage-load of gold coins’, they would then become ‘irresistible’ for the player (and likely Bologna).
Therefore, Milan are trying to find a quick route to the striker, anticipating potential moves from Arsenal and others.
