Arsenal have launched a bid to hijack a West Ham striker move for Joshua Zirkzee claim two Telegraph journalists.
It is well known that West Ham and Arsenal are both looking to try and sign a new forward in the January transfer window.
And it seems that has put the Hammers and Gunners on a collision course regarding Bologna star Joshua Zirkzee.
West Ham were linked with a move for talented Dutch forward Zirkzee back in January last year and again in the summer.
But he ended up leaving Bayern Munich for Serie A side Bologna as a replacement for ex Hammers star Marko Arnautovic.
Arsenal hijack West Ham move for Zirkzee
Top transfer specialist Simon Jones revealed Zirkzee is one of six names on West Ham’s list of targets for the January window.
But there’s bad news for David Moyes and technical director Tim Steidten in the shape of Mikel Arteta and Edu it seems.
Because Arsenal have launched a bid to hijack the West Ham striker move for Zirkzee according to two Telegraph journalists.
Not content with luring Declan Rice away from West Ham, now the Gunners want so sign one of their prime striker targets to ease their goalscoring woes.
Gunners drive price up to £50m
That’s according to a joint Telegraph report from Sam Dean and Jason Burt.
“Arsenal are admirers of Bologna’s Joshua Zirkzee and are keeping a close eye on the striker as they consider potential targets who could strengthen Mikel Arteta’s attack,” the report states.
“Arsenal’s need for another forward has been made more pressing in recent weeks due to repeated goalscoring issues and another knee injury suffered by star striker Gabriel Jesus, while there is also uncertainty over Eddie Nketiah’s long-term future at the club…
“Any move for a new forward is thought to be highly complicated this month, however, and Telegraph Sport understands Bologna would want a fee in the region of £50 million.”
Hammers will surely look elsewhere
Bologna’s sporting director has described Zirkzee as a ‘unique’ talent. And it’s certainly a unique valuation.
If Arsenal’s interest was not the death knell for West Ham when it comes to Zirkzee then that reported £50m price tag certainly will be.
Zirkzee would be ideal for Moyes’ system at West Ham, who have been ravaged by injuries and absences to start the new year.
The Bologna ace has scored eight goals and registered four assists in 22 appearances this season and, at 6ft 4in, it’s easy to see why Moyes is interested..
But it seems the Hammers may have to look elsewhere if he is a serious target for the Gunners.
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