Arsenal identify Serie A striker as possible Toney alternative

Arsenal return to Premier League action when they welcome London rivals Crystal Palace to The Emirates next week. 

The Gunners don’t play until January 20 as the English top flight takes its winter break, with all 20 sides having a week off over the next fortnight.

Mikel Arteta’s side, who finished second last term, started this season strongly but a run of just one win in their last five league games has left the North London outfit fourth in the standings.

The Spaniard will therefore be desperate to see his side pick up three points against the Eagles, but in the meantime it appears that Arsenal have broadened their search for a new striker.

According to The Telegraph, the Gunners have identified Bologna’s Joshua Zirkzee as a potential target as they look to bolster Arteta’s attacking options.

Arsenal have been heavily linked with a move for Brentford star Ivan Toney in recent months, but the England international could prove tricky to lure away from the Bees and those in charge of their recruitment are therefore looking elsewhere.

Zirkzee has attracted interest from Arsenal

Zirkzee, 22, joined Italian side Bologna from German giants Bayern Munich in the summer of 2022 and has since scored ten goals in 43 games across all competitions.

Despite Arsenal’s interest in the player, the report also claims that a move for the Dutchman could also prove tricky this month, with his current employers likely to demand as much as £50 million.

Arteta is keen to add to his attacking options this month having witnessed his side’s recent struggles in front of goal.

The Gunners have scored just twice in their last four games across all competitions, with the likes of Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus, and Gabriel Martinelli all struggling in front of goal in recent weeks.

Zirkzee’s current contract with Bologna is set to run until the summer of 2026.