Manchester United forward Joshua Zirkzee has just made a statement that proves he wouldn’t have been a good fit for Arsenal.
Joshua Zirkzee will have the chance to test his mettle in the Premier League this season, having recently signed for Manchester United from Bologna.
Mikel Arteta will know all about the Dutchman’s quality and potential, as Arsenal were linked with Zirkzee themselves this summer. The 23-year-old has the quality to shine at Old Trafford, but the Gunners were correct to pass up the opportunity to bring him to North London.
Zirkzee’s recent comments have just underlined the fact that he would have been an awkward fit at the Emirates Stadium.
Joshua Zirkzee claim shows Arsenal were right to avoid transfer
Speaking to The Mirror, the forward recently gave an insight into his own approach to the game.
Zirkzee said: “I occasionally drop down to midfield. I don’t do that for myself but to help the team. I am what I call a false striker. Not a No 9, not a No 10. I am a 9.5! That’s my game. Maybe I’m a little different than others. But being different is good, right?”
Whilst these are all valid qualities for an attacker to have, and can be useful in certain sides, they do not meet the criteria that Arsenal ought to be looking for in a new striker.
For a start, in Kai Havertz, the Gunners already have a forward who can drop deep into the middle of the park and operate as a kind of false nine. Gabriel Jesus, and Leandro Trossard when he plays through the middle, also have these elements in their game. As such, this is not the mould of striker that Arteta ought to now be on the lookout for.
What kind of striker do Arsenal need?
Arsenal have been linked with a number of strikers in this summer transfer window so far. However, as things stand, they aren’t close to getting a deal over the line.
Arsenal have pushed to sign Viktor Gyokeres, having already missed out on Benjamin Sesko. More recently, they have been credited with an interest in Dominic Solanke. Meanwhile, Ivan Toney, Victor Osimhen, and others have been named in association with the North London outfit.
What is clear is that the Gunners need an out-and-out goalscorer. A clinical finisher who can occupy the opposition penalty area and be relied upon to convert chances in a manner that neither Havertz, Jesus, or seemingly Zirkzee, can promise to do.
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