Arsenal have been linked with a move for Bologna striker Joshua Zirkzee in recent days, and whilst a January deal looks unlikely, the interest appears to be building.
Zirkzee has thrived for Thiago Motta’s side this season, and has been identified as a forward who could be targeted to solve Arsenal’s problems in front of goal.
The 22-year-old has scored seven times in 19 Serie A appearances this season, and although his performances have been impressive, fans have questioned whether he is the clinical, level-raising forward Arsenal need.
The interest was broken in recent days, but Arsenal’s financial fair play issues mean that a winter deal is unlikely, although nothing can be ruled out in the summer. However, it has now been reported that his agent may be playing a role in the links and any potential transfer that happens.
Arsenal could deal with Kia Joorabchian in Joshua Zirkzee transfer
Joshua Zirkzee is represented by super-agent Kia Joorabchian, and Sports Invest UK LTD. This is a name which is all too familiar to Arsenal fans.
Since Edu Gaspar rejoined the club as a sporting director in 2019, there have been several changes within the executive, which saw director of football Raul Sanllehi eventually dismissed with little explanation, after some controversial deals including the transfer of Nicolas Pepe.
Cedric Soares, Pablo Mari and Willian all joined the club whilst being represented by Joorabchian, with all three players proving unsuccessful under Mikel Arteta. Fans were uncomfortable with the influence the agent seemed to be having on the club at the time, as his client Philippe Coutinho was also linked with a shock move in 2021.
His influence in Arsenal signing Cedric on a long-term deal after a loan spell in which he failed to make a single appearance, as well as extending the contract of David Luiz, was highlighted by The Guardian in 2020.
A report from Football Transfers has now revealed that whilst Bologna do not want to let Zirkzee leave, Joorabchian could play a huge part in convincing them to let him go.
“Insiders suggest that if anyone possesses the negotiation skills to make this deal happen, it would be Joorabchian, but any chance of a move materialising in the winter window remains relatively low,” the report claimed.
Arsenal’s failed deals with Kia Joorabchian
Bologna have slapped a reported £50m price tag on Zirkzee, which seems excessive despite his good form this season.
Jamie Carragher highlighted the damage previously done by the agent when it came to Arsenal’s fortunes last year, pointing out that Arteta’s side finished in eighth place with the likes of Willian in the team, and were flying at the top of the league last season when they seemingly stopped dealing with him.
Although Zirkzee is a talented player within his own right, who may not necessarily be another poor signing as seen in the past, this may offer some explanation as to why links have suddenly appeared despite Arsenal’s financial situation.
Douglas Luiz has also been linked with a move to the Emirates, despite Aston Villa’s stance that he is not for sale. The Brazilian is Joorabchian’s most valuable client, and there has been surprise at the links given his potential price tag.
January moves seem unlikely for Arsenal now, but both Luiz and Zirkzee will be players to keep an eye on for the summer, and any moves for them will see this agent play a part in the club’s dealings after nothing but failures in the past.
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