Inter Milan chief breaks silence on Joshua Zirkzee transfer as Arsenal sent warning
Inter Milan vice-president Javier Zanetti has suggested the club will try and sign Arsenal target Joshua Zirkzee this summer.
Zirkzee, a 22-year-old forward who has had an impressive season with Bologna, scoring 11 goals and providing five assists in 32 Serie A appearances, is on Arsenal's radar for the upcoming summer transfer window. Mikel Arteta is keen to bring another top-class centre forward to his squad.
Reports from Italy last week suggested that the Gunners were in discussions with Zirkzee's agent, Kia Joorabchian, about a potential move. It's believed that Arsenal are prepared to offer a five-year contract and an annual salary of £5million, on top of the £51.6m they would pay to Bologna for Zirkzee's services.
However, the Gunners are set to face hefty competition to sign Zirkzee this summer. Inter, already crowned Serie A champions, have their sights set on the talented Dutch striker.
Javier Zanetti, Inter's vice-president and former right-back, has dropped hints that the Italian club are planning a move for Zirkzee. Speaking to Radio TV Serie A about a possible transfer, the Argentine described Zirkzee as «a great champion».
Zanetti said: «We are talking about a young, talented, intelligent, physically very strong player. Someone like that would be useful to any great team aiming for important goals. Let's see… If the opportunity arises we can think about it. With Zirkzee, Lautaro [Martinez] and [Marcus] Thuram we would have a young and strong attack. They would give us peace of mind.»
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