Report: Premier League rivals optimistic they can beat Arsenal to 'world-class' target likened to Harry Kane

06/27/2024 01:45 PM

Arsenal are likely to be busy in the summer transfer window as they look to bolster their ranks.

The Gunners have improved with each passing season that Mikel Arteta has been in the dugout, and they’ll be eager to go all the way in the Premier League title race next term.

As one of the biggest football clubs in the world, Arsenal have been linked with some top talents in recent months.

However, according to Sky Sports, a major Premier League rival is now optimistic of beating the Gunners to the signing of a mutual attacking target.

READ MORE:Arsenal hold talks with 'elite' attacker Tottenham wanted earlier this year

Manchester United confident of signing Joshua Zirkzee ahead of Arsenal

The player in question is Bologna’s Joshua Zirkzee, one of the standout rising stars in Serie A last season.

According to Sky Sports, the 23-year-old remains on the radar of Arsenal, AC Milan and Juventus.

However, Manchester United are now said to be in ‘positive talks’ with Zirkzee’s camp, and thereis now ‘cautious optimism that a deal can be done’ for .

The Red Devils are prepared to pay the Netherlands international’s €40million (£34million) release clause, added the report.

Arsenal risk losing out on another top attacking target

Arsenal are reportedly looking to strengthen their attacking ranks by bringing in an out-and-out No. 9, a type of player they don't currently have.

They’ve already missed out on Benjamin Sesko, who has pledged his future to RB Leipzig, and now it looks as though they risk missing out on Zirkzee.

The Dutchman has been described by scouting outlet Breaking the Lines as a ‘world-class centre-forward’.

‘His intelligence as a creator and a facilitator is out of this world,’ they wrote in June.

‘Whether dropping deep to receive, spinning on the half turn to beat defenders up against him, pinging passes with either foot out wide, or arriving in the box, he does it all.

‘With the drop of the shoulder, he'll overtake his opponent and then show off another one of his best strengths: long passing.

‘Similar to Harry Kane, his ability to pick out wingers with an inch-perfect through ball is world-class.’

With that in mind, Arsenal really ought to step up their efforts for Zirkzee.

Missing out on him would be bad enough, but having to face him in the league next season would be disastrous for the Gunners.