Bologna striker Joshua Zirkzee should sign for Arsenal if he gets a call from manager Mikel Arteta, according to journalist Emanuel Corazzi.

The Gunners are believed to have an interest in the Dutchman, but Manchester United are said to be the club most likely to make a move for him currently. Speaking on the Euro Cronache podcast (quotes via MilanNews.it), Corazzi said that Zirkzee would be wise to reject the Red Devils and consider a switch to the Emirates instead:

“If there is a team that has ruined a player’s career in recent years, it is Manchester United Of all those who went there, in the end, Hojlund is too young and too strong to say, so we have to wait, but everyone else…”

“If I were in Zirkzee, if you tell me ‘Look Arteta wants you at Arsenal to play centre-forward’, I can understand that you’ll have doubts if United calls you.”

Zirkzee is available for a reasonable fee

The 23-year-old has a release clause in his contract that means clubs can sign him for just €40m (£34m) this summer.

Considering Arsenal have been put off from making moves for the likes of Napoli’s Victor Osimhen and Sporting Lisbon’s Viktor Gyokeres due to their extortionate asking prices, Zirkzee could be seen as a more economical solution.

Arsenal have not put their hat in the ring

Despite having kept close tabs on Zirkzee over the last six months, it doesn’t look like the Gunners are prepared to enter the race for the striker’s signature.

AC Milan were believed to be the favourites to sign the Netherlands international, having agreed personal terms, but they have run into difficulties with his agent.

It does leave an opening for another club to swoop in and sign Zirkzee. At the moment, though, it appears United will be the team that will hijack the deal.

Find out more about Arsenal’s transfer plans by watching the Chris Wheatley Show on Shots! here