Arsenal reportedly scouted a £73m-rated striker in person this weekend, with officials left impressed with what they saw.
The north London side have been linked with a handful of centre-forwards heading into the summer transfer window, with Victor Osimhen, Ivan Toney and Alexander Isak just a handful of strikers who have been rumoured to be on Arsenal’s radar.
With the Gunners expected to spend big in the upcoming market on a new leading attacker, the pressure is on for the likes of Mikel Arteta and Edu Gaspar to sign the right man for the job, with Arsenal certainly linked with exciting profiles.
And Arsenal scouts were seemingly out in Italy this weekend watching one striker in particular.
Arsenal scouts left impressed by Joshua Zirkzee after transfer mission
According to Gazzetta dello Sport, Arsenal scouts were in attendance to watch UEFA Champions League-chasing Bologna take on Monza to watch Joshua Zirkzee, who has been one of the breakout stars of the 2023/24 season.
Lauded as ‘special’ by manager Thiago Motta, the 22-year-old’s form has caught the eye of some of Europe’s biggest clubs, with Arsenal one of the many teams reportedly interested in signing Zirkzee this summer.
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With an aforementioned asking price now worth £73m, Zirkzee would be quite the signing for Arsenal given his style of play and age, with the Dutch youngster’s record this season also making for encouraging reading.
Indeed, whilst Arsenal will face competition for Zirkzee’s signature, the north London side have the project and the allure to attract the former Bayern Munich man, who could jump at the chance to join the Premier League giants.
Arsenal have what it takes to sign ‘special’ Serie A superstar
Zirkzee’s stock has risen considerably this season, with the Bologna attacker establishing himself as one of the most exciting prospects in Europe and a player who could go on to dominate for a top side in the years to come.
And for Arsenal, the north London side have what it takes to sign Zirkzee, who even at £73m could be worth the price for the Gunners if they believe the youngster is the one to lead them into the next stage of their evolution.
However, competition will be fierce for Zirkzee, and if Bologna qualify for the Champions League, the forward himself might not even feel comfortable leaving the Italian side given how incredible such an achievement would be.