- Arsenal eyeing move for Zirkzee
- Dutch striker opened up about his future at Bologna
- Helped Italian side secure Champions League slot
WHAT HAPPENED?
The Gunners were considered the favourites to sign the Dutch forward, however, the player has now revealed his plans for the upcoming 2024-25 season as he hinted he could consider staying back at Bologna.
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THE BIGGER PICTURE
The 23-year-old enjoyed a stellar run of form in the recently concluded season where Bologna finished fifth in the Serie A and secured a Champions League slot. Zirkzee scored 12 times in 37 matches across all competitions and provided seven assists.
WHAT JOSHUA ZIRKZEE SAID
Speaking to Corriere di Bologna (via TMW) about experiencing Champions League football next season, the forward said, “I have to believe in it, I have to be convinced of it, as a player I have to have faith in my abilities and say: ‘Yes, I can get to that level’. It wouldn’t make sense for me to think otherwise. In Italy, we already play against Champions League teams. Ok, we don’t know the competition, but the level yes, because Serie A is high quality, difficult. It will be a great challenge, very exciting.
“I dreamed of playing it since I was a child, I won it with Bayern Munich, but now it will be exciting to play it, because with the German club it’s as if I hadn’t done it. Now I’ll be on the pitch living the moment.”
When asked about his future at Rossoblu, the player added, “At the moment my mind is only in Bologna. I want to recover from the injury, have some nice holidays in the United States with my childhood friends and then we’ll see what happens. I’d choose the best for the club. I will only do what makes sense in my heart. It’s clear that for me it would be wonderful to defend this goal achieved together. What we experienced in Piazza Maggiore was unforgettable.”
WHAT NEXT FOR ARSENAL?
Along with Zirkzee, Mikel Arteta’s side are also chasing RB Leipzig attacker Benjamin Sesko and will compete with Manchester United to secure the Slovenia international’s signature.
