Zlatan Ibrahimovic has now praised a striker who Arsenal are looking to sign this summer.
The Swede knows a thing or two about leading the line, having scored 496 goals in 827 appearances throughout his club career – as well as 62 in 122 games for Sweden.
Now, Zlatan Ibrahimovic has endorsed a forward who Mikel Arteta could bring to Arsenal this summer…
Zlatan Ibrahimovic praises Joshua Zirkzee
A story from the Guardian recently claimed that Arsenal could trigger the £34m release clause of Bologna No.9 Joshua Zirkzee after Benjamin Sesko decided to stay at RB Leipzig.
However, AC Milan are also working hard to sign the Dutchman, and Ibrahimovic – now working as Senior Advisor for the Italian giants – has been asked about the Netherlands U21 international.
Ibrahimovic remained coy on whether AC Milan would be signing the Arsenal target this summer, but Fabrizio Romano did quote the 42-year-old as saying: “I like him, he’s a good player with very good potential.”
Zirkzee – who has been compared to Arsenal legend Dennis Bergkamp – scored 12 goals and provided seven assists in 37 appearances last season, helping Bologna qualify for the UEFA Champions League.
Arsenal given warning
If Arteta and Edu are serious about signing Zirkzee, it may need to happen quickly.
Respected journalist Dean Jones recently told the Ranks FC Ultras Podcast that the 23-year-old’s representatives have informed Arsenal a move elsewhere is close, so they will need to hurry up, or else the Gunners risk missing out.
He said: “Last week I was told that intermediaries have been in touch with Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea and they were told that if you’re going to move for him, you have to do it now because we’re close to this move to stay inside Serie A. That was sort of a final warning, if you want to get in on this you have to go now.”
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A move “to stay inside Serie A” strongly suggests AC Milan are leading the race for Zirkzee’s signature – couples with what sources elsewhere are reporting – so time is of the essence for Arsenal here, it would seem.