Arsenal are likely to prioritise a striker in the summer transfer window, with Gabriel Jesus struggling for goals once again
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Arsenal have reportedly tabled a five-year contract to Joshua Zirkzee in an attempt to beat strong competition to the Bologna forward’s signature. Zirkzee has impressed clubs from across Europe since leaving Bayern Munich in 2022.
The Gunners are likely to prioritise a move for a striker in the summer. Their Premier League title chase has been handicapped by the lack of a prolific centre-forward.
Kai Havertz has led the line superbly in recent months but is more natural behind a No. 9, as opposed to playing the role himself. The inconsistency of Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah has been a source of frustration for Arsenal fans.
Jesus and Nketiah have scored a combined nine Premier League goals this season, not enough to justify regular starts as Arsenal fight with Manchester City for their first title in 20 years. Manager Mikel Arteta and sporting director Edu may hope that Zirkzee will improve on those figures.
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According to Tuttosport, Arsenal have offered the Dutchman a mega five-year contract with a £99,000 per-week salary. The Gunners will reportedly have competition from the likes of Juventus and AC Milan, who lead the race for Zirkzee’s signature among Italian clubs.
Tottenham have previously been rumoured to like Zirkzee. Bundesliga champions Bayern are also reported to have had a buy-back clause inserted into the agreement that saw him sold to Bologna two years ago.
Zirkzee has scored 12 goals across all competitions this season, helping Thiago Motta’s Bologna fight for a surprise place in next season’s Champions League. He scored and assisted in his side’s 3-1 win over Roma on Sunday to supercharge that European bid.
Arsenal have been linked with a range of different strikers as they head towards the summer. The need for a new player in the position could become even more pressing if reports that Eddie Nketiah may be sold come to fruition.
Ivan Toney has long been linked with a move from Brentford to the Emirates Stadium. Victor Osimhen has also reportedly been identified with a switch to Arsenal due to his outstanding form for Napoli in Serie A.
Meanwhile, Arsenal remain top of the Premier League despite Man City’s thumping 4-0 win over Brighton on Thursday night. The Gunners thrashed Chelsea 5-0 on Tuesday, meaning that only a point separates them and City.
Pep Guardiola’s side have a game in hand over Arsenal but the race seems likely to go down to the final day of the season on May 19. Liverpool’s defeat against Everton seems set to rule Jurgen Klopp out of a fairytale Premier League title in his final campaign.