Arsenal could be dealt a blow in their hopes of signing Bologna striker Joshua Zirkzee this summer if Juventus opt to make a move for Thiago Motta to replace Massimiliano Allegri.

Multiple reports suggest that Allegri is set to leave the Italian giants this summer, meaning that the club will be on the lookout for a replacement. Motta, who is currently in charge of fellow Serie A side Bologna is reported to be the leading candidate for the role.

If he is appointed, then that could increase the chances of Juventus making a move for Zirkzee in the summer. The striker has flourished under Motta this season, scoring 11 goals in 33 Serie A appearances, helping Bologna to fourth place in the league.

Gazzetta dello Sport outline Juve’s interest in the forward, but report that Arsenal are the favourites on ‘an economic level’ with a €60 million (£51.4m) bid ‘not a problem’ for the Gunners in the summer transfer window. Arsenal have been linked with a move for Zirkzee since the January transfer window as they search for an out-and-out striker.

Bologna drew 0-0 with Torino on Friday to maintain their place in fourth spot in the league, after the match, Motta was asked about his future with his contract expiring in the summer. “We reached a moment where I have to underline we achieved something unexpected and unimaginable,” he said.

“We want to go all the way and qualify for the Champions League. That is the primary issue, my future or the future of individual players is irrelevant. At the right moment, we will sit down and see if we have the conditions to continue together or not continue together, but I will always do what is right for the club.”

Inter Milan are another team who are showing an interest ahead of the summer. The club’s president hinted that they will try and make a move for Zirkzee this summer after securing the Serie A title.

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