Revealed: Arsenal could land 'next Ronaldinho' due to agent relationship

Cameron Smith

• 26 Apr 2024 18:30 BST
• 3 min read

Arsenal remain interested in Bologna striker Joshua Zirkzee, although they may reportedly need to use their relationship with his agent to their advantage.

Zirkzee, 22, has emerged as one of Europe’s most promising young attackers this season and he is expected to make a big-money move this summer.

The Dutch forward has 11 goals and four assists in 31 Serie A appearances this campaign and he has garnered interest from several top European clubs as a result of his form in 2023-24. Bologna manager Thiago Motta has even compared him to Barcelona legend Ronaldinho in recent weeks.

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Multiple Serie A clubs are monitoring his progress at Bologna, with AC Milan identifying him as their number one target to replace Olivier Giroud, who has verbally agreed to join LA Galaxy on a free transfer when his contract at San Siro expires at the end of June.

However, Arsenal remain in the race to sign Zirkzee and the Gunners could use their relationship with his agent, Kia Joorabchian, to beat Milan to his signature.

Joorabchian is also the agent of Aston Villa midfielder Douglas Luiz and former Liverpool superstar Philippe Coutinho. Arsenal defender Cedric Soares is another one of his clients, as is former Gunners centre-back Auston Trusty.

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What has been said?

Journalist Matteo Moretto has provided an update on Zirkzee’s future, admitting to CaughtOffside: “He remains the number one target for Milan. There are frequent contacts, and it is not something that started in February and has gone quiet, they are working on it.

"That is the one concrete interest that we have in terms of Zirkzee, and as it stands, they have to be leading the race.

“Currently Milan are focused on sorting out the managerial situation, but Zirkzee is their top target, and the contacts are regular.

"In Italy, Inter and Juventus have been linked by other outlets, but it is Milan who have made movements. Zirkzee is very, very attracted by Milan, they have history, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and a project for him.

“With the Arsenal links, basically Zirkzee’s agent Kia Joorabchian has a very strong relationship with Arsenal, so no doubt, there have been talks about him. But so far, it hasn’t gone beyond that.”