Arsenal make last desperate bid for ‘Dutch Zlatan’

Carlo Garganese

Updated: 11 Jun 2024 01:20 CDT
3 min read

Mikel Arteta, Arsenal, 2023/24 — © IMAGO

Arsenal have not given up on Joshua Zirkzee and are making one last desperate attempt to sign the Bologna striker.

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That is according to Sky Sports UK, who report that Arsenal have not given up hope of buying Zirkzee.

This is despite the fact that the Italian media are unanimous in reporting that AC Milan have beaten Arsenal in the race to sign the Dutch giant.

Sky Sport Italia, Sportitalia and MilanNews.it are among the media groups who confirm that Zirkzee is set to join Milan.

READ MORE: Who is Joshua Zirkzee?

Milan and Arsenal have been the two main teams fighting for the signature of Zirkzee, who had a breakout season for Bologna this season.

The Italian media report that Milan will pay the €40 million release clause in Zirkzee’s Bologna contract.

But Sky Sports Uk says that Arsenal are still trying to convince Zirkzee to join Arsenal instead.

They add that Arsenal are now no longer interested in any strikers in the Premier League, such as Newcastle’s Alexander Isak and Brentford’s Ivan Toney.

Milan transfer chief Geoffrey Moncada flew to London to meet Joorabchian to finalise the last details of the deal at the end of last week.

Zirkzee will replace Olivier Giroud, who leaves Milan on a free transfer to join LAFC.

Zirkzee in 2023-24

Zirkzee led Bologna to a shock qualification into next season’s Champions League.

Likened to Sweden legend Zlatan Ibrahimovic, he delivered 12 goals and seven assists in all competitions as Bologna finished fifth in Serie A.

He was the key man for a Bologna team who have well above their weight under Thiago Motta to qualify for the Champions League.

Standing at 6ft 4in, Zirkzee is a giant of a striker who is expert at holding up the ball and bringing others into play.

He is strong at protecting the ball with his back to play, but he is also excellent technically, boasting quick feet and able to move out of tight spaces.