Arsenal would be a good destination for Bologna forward Joshua Zirkzee, according to Frank De Boer.
The Dutchman has been linked with a move to the Gunners, along with several Serie A clubs (including AC Milan and Juventus) and De Boer claims the best club for the striker would be Mikel Arteta’s side:
“I have great respect for Arsenal; they have patience; for example, they had it with Arteta, who didn’t start well. At certain clubs like that, you are already out. And they have played very well in the last two years; Inter also play well.”
“If I have to say someone, I prefer Arsenal, because they have the patience to wait for him and give him confidence.”
Zirkzee reportedly has a release clause in his contract
Reports in Italy over the past week have claimed that the 23-year-old can be signed for only €40m (£34m) due to a buyout clause in his contract.
Compared to the likes of Benjamin Sesko (£55m), Victor Osimhen (£111m), Viktor Gyokeres (£85m), Newcastle’s Alexander Isak and Brighton’s Evan Ferguson, Zirkzee would be the cheapest option available.
That would allow Arsenal to devote funds to strengthening other areas of the pitch, including midfield, on the wings and at left-back.
Arsenal would not be signing the finished article
A De Boer mentions in his comments, the Gunners would have to be patient with Zirkzee. Unlike some of the club’s other striker targets, he still has a way to go in his development.
12 goals in 37 appearances this campaign is a decent return but many fans are hoping for the club to sign a player who could guarantee at least 20+ goals a season at the highest level.
Zirkzee may need two to three years to reach those standards and he may not be afforded the time that De Boer hopes he would get at Arsenal.
