Arsenal are leading the race to secure the signing of Bologna forward Joshua Zirkzee in the upcoming summer transfer window, according to a report.
The 22-year-old has netted 12 goals and contributed seven assists across all competitions this season. His performances have been instrumental in Bologna's qualification for the Champions League, a feat they have not achieved since the 1964-65 campaign.
Zirkzee was bought by Bologna from Bayern Munich for around £7.5m in August 2022. Due to his outstanding performance this season, he has been strongly linked with a summer departure, with Manchester United being among the teams keeping tabs on him.
The Bavarians have a buy-back clause in place for the attacker, but they are believed not to be interested in bringing him back to the Allianz Arena at the end of the campaign.
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Zirkzee on the radar of several European giants
In addition to Premier League giants Man United, AC Milan are believed to consider Zirkzee an ideal replacement for Olivier Giroud, who is set to join MLS on a free transfer when his contract at San Siro concludes at the end of June.
Juventus are another Serie A team showing interest in Zirkzee, but as of now, there have been no concrete contacts made with the 22-year-old.
According to GiveMeSport, the Gunners are now the frontrunners to secure the 22-year-old's signature in the summer.
The report adds that I Rossoblu have set a price tag of around £60m for their in-form attacker, which is a fee that would rule out Milan, as well as most other Serie A clubs, as his next destination.
Conversely, the Red Devils may struggle to persuade the player to join Old Trafford, as his preference is to compete in the Champions League next season.
In addition, with his admirer and compatriot Erik ten Hag's future at Old Trafford being uncertain, interest from the Red Devils could potentially subside if a new manager is brought in at the end of the season.
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Arsenal frontrunners to secure Zirkee signature
Thus, the Gunners, who have officially qualified for the next edition of the Champions League, could present the most fitting destination for the attacker, whose technical attributes align well with the playing style of Arteta's team.
Despite Kai Havertz's effectiveness in front of goal during Arsenal's pursuit of the Premier League title, tallying 12 goals and six assists in 34 top-flight appearances, Arteta and the club's sporting director Edu have been actively searching the market for a new striker ahead of the upcoming transfer window.
It is also understood that the Gunners have already approached Zirkzee's entourage to signal their interest in the event he opts to bid farewell to Bologna at the end of the season.
Zirkzee's next appearance for his club will be on May 20, when they take on Juventus in a Serie A encounter at Stadio Renato Dall'Ara.
Devesh Jaganath
