Arsenal warning given to Juventus and Milan over 12-goal striker | OneFootball

A transfer tug-of-war is reportedly brewing over in-demand Bologna striker Joshua Zirkzee.

While Italian giants Juventus and Milan have been leading the chase, Italian media outlets are sounding the alarm about Arsenal’s entry into the race.

The Gunners’ financial power and the Premier League’s allure could disrupt the Serie A clubs’ plans and turn the transfer saga on its head.

BOLOGNA, ITALY – FEBRUARY 14: Joshua Zirkzee of Bologna FC celebrates following the team’s victory in the Serie A TIM match between Bologna FC and ACF Fiorentina – Serie A TIM at Stadio Renato Dall’Ara on February 14, 2024 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

Italian giants Juventus and AC Milan are reportedly locked in a transfer battle for Bologna striker Joshua Zirkzee, but Italian media outlets are sounding the alarm about a potential upset from Arsenal. According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, the Gunners could swoop in and outbid the Serie A rivals, complicating their pursuit of the Dutch talent.

Juventus sees Zirkzee as an exciting young prospect who could form a dynamic partnership with Dusan Vlahovic, also linked with Arsenal. Reports suggest they are particularly interested in Zirkzee as a potential replacement for current backup strikers Moise Kean (also linked with Arsenal) and Arkadiusz Milik. Juventus’ interest could also intensify if manager Massimiliano Allegri departs, with Thiago Motta, Zirkzee’s current manager at Bologna, touted as a possible successor.

AC Milan’s French forward #09 Olivier Giroud warms up prior to the Italian Serie A football match between Juventus and AC Milan at The Allianz Stadium in Turin on April 27, 2024. (Photo by MARCO BERTORELLO/AFP via Getty Images)

Milan’s interest in Zirkzee stems from their need for a new centre-forward to replace the aging Olivier Giroud who is off to The States. The Rossoneri are reportedly prepared to make a significant offer of up to €45-50 million and could leverage their Belgian winger Alexis Saelemaekers to sweeten the deal.

However, Italian media caution Juventus and Milan not to underestimate Arsenal’s potential to disrupt their plans. The Gunners, having previously targeted Vlahovic in 2022, have the financial resources to outbid the Italian clubs and could tempt Zirkzee with the appeal of playing in the world’s most prestigious league.