Arsenal are likely to be busy in the summer transfer window as Edu and Mikel Arteta look to bolster their ranks ahead of next season.
The Gunners have made progress over the past few years and will be eager to continue building a squad that can win major trophies.
Arsenal are reportedly looking to strengthen their attacking ranks by bringing in an out-and-out No. 9, a type of player not currently on their books.
Over the past few weeks, there has been a lot of speculation linking the Gunners with Bologna forward Joshua Zirkzee.
And while AC Milan are believed to be frontrunners for the 23-year-old’s signature, it looks as though talks have stalled in recent days.
Sky Sports journalist Lyall Thomas has now provided an update on the state of play involving Arsenal and Zirkzee, as well as fellow suitors Milan and Manchester United.
What Lyall Thomas has said about Arsenal and Joshua Zirkzee
“Just called up to the Netherlands squad for Euro 2024, Manchester United and Arsenal are currently very interested in Zirkzee as AC Milan push to try and sign him from Serie A rivals Bologna,” Thomas said on Sky Sports.
“Milan are confident of getting a deal done but almost a week has gone by since talks intensified and it is not there yet, which has seen United and Arsenal monitor things more closely this week.
“Bologna, meanwhile, really want him to stay for another year and are even willing to increase his wages.
“Zirkzee stepped-up last season with 11 goals to help Bologna qualify for the Champions League.
“He is a really attractive prospect on the market, because of his dynamic profile and relatively young age, with plenty of room for improvement, especially for a relatively modest fee.
“Juventus also like him a lot but need to sell a striker before they can go after another one.”
Arsenal must move fast to beat Milan to Joshua Zirkzee
It’s good to hear that Arsenal are reportedly keeping tabs on the Zirkzee transfer situation.
Hopefully the Gunners can pounce the minute it seems like talks between Milan, Bologna and the player are collapsing.
If anything happens that could give Arsenal a way back in for the £34million man, they must move fast.
Earlier this year, 1982 World Cup winner Giuseppe Bergomi told Corriere di Bologna, via Sempre Inter, that Zirkzee is “destined to be among the greats”.
Bergomi also said: “I love him as a player. I like players like that. He makes the whole team play well.
“He sees things on the pitch that we mere mortals don’t. Ball management, anticipation, technique, vision.”