Arsenal are long-term admirers of Bologna star Joshua Zirkzee as the club continue to look for strikers that could strengthen Mikel Arteta’s squad

Arsenal are in desperate need of a clinical striker to help reignite their Premier League title challenge. The Gunners have won just one of their last seven games across all competitions, struggling to take their chances, which has cost them points and progression in the FA Cup.

Bologna star Joshua Zirkzee is the latest player to be linked with a switch to the Emirates Stadium. Arsenal are admirers of the 22-year-old and are keeping a close eye on Zirkzee as they consider potential targets who could strengthen Arteta’s attack, according to The Telegraph.

Zirkzee has scored eight goals and registered four assists in 22 appearances for Bologna this season. At 6 feet 4 inches, he would offer a different type of option in attack for Arteta’s side.

Any move for a new forward is thought to be highly complicated this month, however. The report adds that Bologna would want a fee in the region of £50 million—a valuation Arsenal would struggle to match this month.

Arsenal are open to doing business in January but need to be careful with their finances. The feeling within the club is that their squad is currently well-balanced, when everyone is fit, and that any new arrivals would have to be able to greatly strengthen the team.

Bologna have made it clear that they have no intention of selling Zirkzee this winter, with sporting director Marco Di Vaio saying last month that the Dutchman is a “unique” player. Di Vaio also said Zirkzee has a release clause, but that is only valid for Bayern Munich, who signed the striker from Feyenoord when he was a teenager.

Zirkzee would offer a different profile in attack for Arteta, with the Dutchman’s height and physicality being something that the Gunners sorely miss at present. So, with that being said, football.london has taken a look at how the North Londoners could set up if they sign Zirkzee.