Gunners explore unconventional transfer amid struggle for goals

In a bid to bolster their attacking prowess, Arsenal is reportedly eyeing a £50 million move for Bologna sensation Joshua Zirkzee. As Mikel Arteta seeks a new striking force, the Gunners have cast their net wide, considering options like Ivan Toney and Dusan Vlahovic.

The Telegraph reveals that Zirkzee has found his way onto Arsenal’s radar, with the Dutch striker gaining attention for his performances since leaving Bayern Munich for Bologna in 2022. However, securing Zirkzee’s services may not be a straightforward task, as Bologna’s sporting director, Marco Di Vaio, issued a hands-off warning and shed light on a potential obstacle.

Di Vaio clarified that Zirkzee’s release clause is exclusively applicable to Bayern Munich, implying that only the German giants can activate it. The Italian sporting director emphasized Zirkzee’s uniqueness as a player, categorizing him as a ‘nine-and-a-half position’ and thwarted any speculation of the player leaving in the January transfer window.

Zirkzee, 22, boasts a notable career, spending five years in Bayern Munich’s youth ranks before making a switch to Bologna in 2022. With 43 appearances for Bologna and ten goals, eight of which were scored this season, Zirkzee has become a rising star.

In November, Zirkzee expressed his commitment to Bologna, stating, “The road is long and you have to work hard every day. If you ask me what I prefer between making Bologna great or going to play for a big club soon, I tell you that the right choice is making Bologna great. Then we’ll see.”

Despite Arsenal’s interest, Manchester United also lurk on the fringes of the Zirkzee pursuit, adding a layer of competition to the potential transfer. United has been linked with other striking options like Bayern Munich’s Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting and Stuttgart’s Serhou Guirassy.

As the transfer window unfolds, Arsenal faces a challenging decision regarding Zirkzee’s unique talent, with the price tag and release clause dynamics adding intriguing dimensions to the pursuit. Will Zirkzee don the Arsenal jersey and provide the much-needed attacking impetus? Only time will unveil the outcome of this £50 million transfer saga