Arsenal are set to be involved in a three-team battle for Bologna forward Joshua Zirkzee, according to the Gazzetta Dello Sport.

The Gunners, along with Juventus and AC Milan, are weighing up bids for the Dutchman when the summer transfer window opens.

Zirkzee has had a decent season for Bologna, but it is somewhat surprising that Mikel Arteta’s side are seriously contemplating a move for the player, considering that he has scored only 12 goals in all competitions.

Gazzetta insist, though, that “the threat’ to Juve and Milan “remains Arsenal” as the race for the 22-year-old heats up.

The Italian newspaper reports that, after being “burned” in their previous pursuit for Dusan Vlahovic, the Gunners are “trying to change gear” in order to beat rivals to Zirkzee’s signature.

They are aware that the Netherlands Under 21 international is happy in Italy but they believe that the attraction of playing for Arteta and the Premier League could be enough to persuade him to snub interest from other clubs.

Bayern do have a buyback clause

Bologna signed Zirkzee from Bayern Munich last year and the Bundesliga club do have the option to re-sign the striker this summer if they are prepared to pay €40m (£34m).

However, a return to Germany is deemed unlikely; mainly because the player himself is not keen on being Harry Kane’s understudy.

How much would Zirkzee cost Arsenal?

It is believed that Bologna will hold out for €50m (£43m) plus bonuses for their striker. The main reason why the Serie A side are demanding so much is because Bayern also have a 40% sell-on clause.

Even so, Arsenal may still deem Zirkzee a worthwhile purchase at that price, considering the likes of Sporting Lisbon’s Viktor Gyokeres and Victor Osimhen would cost over double that amount. We shall have to wait and see whether the London club do step up their pursuit in the Dutch forward over the coming weeks.