Arsenal dealt blow as transfer target 'super keen' to join Serie A giants

James Shearman

• Updated: 6 Jun 2024 22:02 BST
• 3 min read

Arsenal transfer target Joshua Zirkzee is 'super keen' on joining AC Milan, according to Fabrizio Romano.

FootballTransfers exclusively revealed in January that both Arsenal and Man Utd were interested in signing the striker during the winter transfer window.

Bologna were never going to let one of their star players leave midway through the campaign, though.

READ MORE: Latest Arsenal transfer rumours

However, Zirkzee has a €40 million release clause that became active this summer.

This is a reasonable fee for the 23-year-old who registered 11 goals and four assists in Serie A this season, helping Bologna to finish in the Champions League places.

And, Romano is now reporting that AC Milan have informed Thiago Motta's side that they are planning to trigger the release clause.

Talks are ongoing between the club and the player's representatives and it seems that Arsenal have missed out on the chance to sign him.

Do Arsenal need Joshua Zirkzee

Even though Arsenal scored the most goals in the Premier League this season, their lack of firepower cost them in multiple games.

Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus are both quality players but neither are good enough to lead the line for a title-winning team.

That said, Zirkzee has not proven that he is, either, and 23 is not that young for a footballer.

It is unlikely that the Netherlands under-21 international will ever develop into a world-class striker - which is what the Gunners need.

So, missing out on Zirkzee to Milan is really not a huge loss for Mikel Arteta's side.

They should now focus on signing an elite forward, such as Victor Osimhen or Alexander Isak, or one with incredible potential, like Benjamin Sesko.