Arsenal eye up ‘extraordinary’ striker who would cost 50% less than Ivan Toney

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Arsenal are now eyeing up Bologna striker Joshua Zirkzee, as Mikel Arteta explores a range of options to improve his attack.

The Gunners have struggled for goals this season, with just 20 strikes from open play in the Premier League this season, and Sunday’s FA Cup defeat to Liverpool saw Arsenal miss several golden opportunities as they failed to score for the second home game in a row.

Ivan Toney has been linked, but he could cost as much as £100m, and with Arsenal currently struggling with financial fair play requirements, this deal seems unlikely to materialise in January.

However, Bologna striker Joshua Zirkzee has now emerged as a target, and he could cost less than half of what Toney would.

Arsenal eye up Bologna striker Joshua Zirkzee

A report from The Telegraph has now revealed that Arsenal are interested in Zirkzee, and are keeping a close eye on the 22-year-old.

The Dutchman has thrived for Bologna since his move from Bayern Munich, and has scored eight times in 22 games in all competitions this season, whilst also providing four assists.

His all-round play outside of the box is phenomenal, making him stylistically suitable cover for Gabriel Jesus, and his goals are often very well-taken finishes.

However, Bologna are keen to hold on to a key player, and could ask for £50m to part ways with Zirkzee. Whilst this makes him 50% cheaper than Toney, he still comes with a price tag that Arsenal cannot afford right now.

Would Joshua Zirkzee be a good signing for Arsenal?

Zirkzee was a hugely promising talent at Bayern Munich, and is beginning to fulfil his potential in Serie A. He may not have the most glamourous goal record just yet, but the signs are there that he can develop into a top striker.

Bologna manager Thiago Motta rates Zirkzee highly, and once praised both his talent and work ethic.

“‘It was an excellent goal from a player with extraordinary qualities. He scored a similar goal in training. Joshua is very talented, but I want to emphasize that he also works very hard for it,” Motta stated after Zirkzee scored against Sassuolo in October.

However, unless his price tag is negotiable, or Bologna would be willing to accept a loan deal with an option or obligation to buy, Arsenal’s FFP situation would prevent a January deal from happening.

Zirkzee may be a player Arsenal monitor with regard to a long-term move. Should Eddie Nketiah leave, with several clubs interested, the Bologna attacker could be a younger, and more tactically suitable option than the Englishman, but questions will still remain over whether he could be the striker to help raise Arsenal’s level in attack.