Arsenal rival Man Utd for ‘unique’ transfer but can't activate release clause

11 January 2024 , 21:54

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Mikel Arteta appears keen to add a new striker at Arsenal (Image: Getty Images)

Arsenal are interested in signing Bologna sensation Joshua Zirkzee amid Mikel Arteta's search for a new striker.

The Gunners have struggled for goals over recent weeks, with a host of forwards being linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium. Ivan Toney is reportedly among their targets, while Dusan Vlahovic and Borja Mayoral have also been linked.

It has now been claimed that the Gunners have added Dutch striker Zirkzee to their shortlist. He has previously been linked with a move to Premier League rivals Manchester United.

The Telegraph report that Arsenal are keeping a close eye on the former Bayern Munich star. His current employers have slapped a £50m asking price on Zirkzee’s services.

Bologna’s sporting director Marco Di Vaio previously issued a hands-off warning to anyone interested in Zirkzee. He also revealed that only Zirkzee’s former club Bayern are able to activate a release clause written into his deal.

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“How many phone calls have we received? None. And we wouldn’t answer anyway!” he told Italian outlet La Gazzetta dello Sport.

“Joshua is a nine-and-a-half [position], yes, but he doesn’t resemble anyone. He’s a unique player. The release clause? It is valid only for Bayern [Munich]. For the other clubs the price is open… but our top players will not move in January.”

Arsenal are reportedly interested in Bologna's Joshua Zirkzee (Getty Images)

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Zirkzee, 22, spent five years in the youth ranks of Bayern Munich. He went on to make 17 appearances for the German giants before leaving for Bologna in the summer of 2022.

He has accumulated 43 appearances for Bologna since then and has scored ten goals - eight of which have come this season. He has two-and-a-half years remaining on his contract with the Serie A club.

Asked about his future with the side, he claimed that he would prefer to stay as opposed to returning to a club where he might not be afforded as many opportunities. Speaking to Gazzetta dello Sport in November, he said: “The road is long and you have to work hard every day.

“If you ask me what I prefer between making Bologna great or going to play for a big club soon, I tell you that the right choice is making Bologna great. Then we’ll see.”

While Arsenal’s Premier League rivals Man United have also been linked with a move for Zirkzee, the Red Devils also have a comprehensive list of targets. They have been linked with Bayern Munich’s Eric Maxim Choupo Moting and Serhou Guirassy of Stuttgart.

Daniel Orme