Arsenal told key striker target would now cost 32% less in summer transfer window

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Arsenal have been linked with a move for Bologna striker Joshua Zirkzee, and may be better off waiting until the summer to make an offer for him.

The 22-year-old recently emerged as a striker Mikel Arteta could target to bolster his front line, and he has been in good form for Thiago Motta’s side, with eight goals and four assists in all competitions.

The former Bayern Munich starlet was linked in recent days, but it emerged that it would cost £50m to convince Bologna to let him leave in the middle of the season, and his agent Kia Joorabchian could play a part in any move.

With Arsenal facing financial fair play constraints, such a deal is not possible in the winter window. However, should Arteta still hold an interest in the summer, he could cost a lot less.

Arsenal target Joshua Zirkzee will have release clause in the summer

Journalist Florian Plettenberg has now revealed that Zirkzee, who Manchester United is also watching, will have a £34m release clause in the summer transfer window.

“Zirkzee: the 22 y/o striker is one of the transfer targets for ManUtd in the summer window!” He posted on X.

“Bosses with a high opinion of his quality and development. This Serie A season: 7 goals and 2 assists.

“Man United already inquired about a possible transfer now. But Bologna won’t let him go. Talks took place.

“Zirkzee will stay in winter. He can leave Bologna in summer as there’s a release clause of €40m.”

His €40m release clause, which becomes active in the summer, converts to £34m, and therefore a 32% reduction on his current £50m asking price.

Arsenal should continue to monitor Joshua Zirkzee

Arsenal may not see Zirkzee as someone who can immediately come in and replace Gabriel Jesus upfront as a world-class striker, but they may admire him as a complete young forward with the potential to improve.

Eddie Nketiah has been linked with a move away, and should he leave for a hefty fee in the summer window, Zirkzee may be seen as a younger option with a higher ceiling, and at £34m, he would not break the bank compared to other forwards in the market.

A move in this window looks near-impossible for Zirkzee, but should he continue his strong form in Serie A, then he could court a lot of interest in the summer.

He is certainly not a player Arsenal should ignore, and should he arrive, he could be more suitable for Arteta’s system than Nketiah, and may have the potential to develop into an elite goalscorer who also offers a lot off the ball.