The Brazilian player faces an increasingly precarious situation, with the added threat of losing his spot in the team if Mikel Arteta and Edu successfully secure the transfer of a highly-regarded player to N5 this year.
Arsenal is actively exploring international options to bolster their goal-scoring capabilities. According to an Italian report from Corriere Di Bologna, Arsenal is expressing interest in signing Joshua Zirkzee, a highly promising young forward from Bologna.
Zirkzee’s sought-after status has drawn interest from several clubs, including Tottenham Hotspur, Aston Villa, and Newcastle United. However, Arsenal and Manchester United emerge as the primary contenders, according to the report.
Despite potential competition from Manchester United, Arsenal may also have to contend with Bayern Munich’s involvement. The Bundesliga champions hold an exclusive buyback clause with Bologna, valued at around €40 million (£34 million). Despite Bayern Munich’s interest, Arsenal appears ready to make a competitive bid of approximately £40 million for the 22-year-old.
In assessing Zirkzee as a potential addition to Arsenal’s squad, comparisons are drawn with the current Brazilian forward, Gabriel Jesus.
While Jesus is recognized for his talent and contributions to Arsenal’s attacks, the team’s pursuit of a more clinical finisher becomes crucial for their title aspirations. Zirkzee, despite his youth, is already demonstrating greater goal-scoring efficiency compared to Jesus.
In terms of league performances this season, Zirkzee has scored eight goals and provided two assists in 20 appearances, while Jesus has scored three goals and provided two assists in 16 appearances.
Digging deeper into the statistics, Zirkzee’s superior goal-scoring capabilities become apparent. Despite Jesus having higher expected goal and assist numbers and taking more shots on target, Zirkzee boasts a better actual goal per 90 figure and a more efficient goal-to-shots ratio, both on target and overall.
Moreover, Zirkzee’s willingness to take shots from greater distances and still outscore Jesus highlights his confidence in finishing ability. With the right coaching, there is potential for Zirkzee to further enhance this strength.
As Zirkzee continues to showcase his talent and potential, the urgency for Arsenal to secure his services intensifies, with suggestions to push for a board decision on making an offer in the coming week.
The pursuit of this promising talent underscores Arsenal’s commitment to fortifying their squad and addressing the imperative need for a more clinical goal-scorer in their bid to end a two-decade-long title drought.
https://x.com/AllroundArsenal/status/1750028616845430940?s=20
