Former Netherlands boss Frank de Boer has urged compatriot Joshua Zirkzee to choose Arsenal over Manchester United if he leaves Bologna this summer.
Dutch forward Zirkzee has played a big part for his club this season, helping them qualify for the Champions League for the first time in the competition's existence. Thiago Motta's side sit third in Serie A with one game remaining, with Zirkzee their top scorer with 11 goals.
The former Bayern Munich youngster was linked with a Premier League switch in January, but opted to stay put. His contract doesn't expire until 2026, but Premier League sides could test the water again this summer.
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag lamented his team's inability to sign a striker in January due to profit and sustainability rules, but the arrival of new part-owner Jim Ratcliffe could be followed by a busy summer. Arsenal have also been linked with attacking reinforcements after narrowly missing out on the title, and De Boer suggested North London would represent the better move for Zirkzee.
"I have great respect for Arsenal, they have patience, for example they had it with [Mikel] Arteta who didn’t start well," ex-Inter Milan boss De Boer told Calciomercato (via Metro). "In some clubs, if it happens like this you are already out.
"And he has 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."
De Boer's old employers Inter could yet throw a spanner in the works if they're forced to offload Lautaro Martinez. Additionally, Zirkzee's former club Bayern Munich are understood to have a buy-back option on the 23-year-old, though they're not understood to be exploring a deal.
"He said that his idols are [Zlatan] Ibrahimovic and [Gabriel] Batistuta, who are two excellent players, but, seeing him day to day, he reminds me of the Ronaldinho I played with at Barcelona," Bologna boss Motta told Sky Sport Italia in February when lauding Zirkzee. "But I cannot compare him to anyone. He is just Joshua, and he is special."
While questions remain over Zirkzee's future, Arsenal are closing in on another Dutchman. Feyenoord goalkeeper Justin Bijlow has been linked with a cut-price move as the Gunners look to cash in on Aaron Ramsdale and sign a new backup to David Raya.
Bijlow, 26, was on the bench throughout The Netherlands' 2022 World Cup campaign as they were beaten in the quarter-finals by eventual winners Argentina. He could be available for as little as £10m, while Newcastle target Ramsdale is likely to fetch substantially more if he leaves this summer.
itsdjepic
0
Carabao cup and reach fa cup final for the second year and could win it today(finger's cross).
And Mikel has won the FA cup and 2 community shield. So?
zachsanchez
0
What has erik 7 hag won fi United?
Carabao cup and reach fa cup final for the second year and could win it today(finger's cross).
seoclnuy
0
Selling Aaron Ramsdale to Newcastle will be a big mistake. Arsenal should keep Aaron Ramsdale. Give him more play time for him to prove his potential again. It will come back to haunt Arsenal if he is sold to EPL clubs.
koyabrsy
1
arsenal need Pedro j
miguelbumba
0
buy more blacks
Nothing to do with race, sorry to disappoint you mate!
miguelbumba
0
buy more blacks
Nothing to race. Sorry mate!
itsdjepic
0
What’s Arsenal won under Arteta still to prove himself.
What has erik 7 hag won fi United?
Sapcelno
0
Arsenal should instead look for understudies for Havertz and Saka in the academy and no where else!
buy more blacks
miguelbumba
1
Arsenal should instead look for understudies for Havertz and Saka in the academy and no where else!
jaucdiprz
0
He might prove worthy if he make the transfer. Ollie Watkins and Sesko are another better options
Dezcdklmpu
0
11 goal scorer a season. whoever thought about it at arsenal must be smoking pot
Sinbeilsy
0
What’s Arsenal won under Arteta still to prove himself.
Daphoenix23
0
Halaand is a striker 😂
And he’s a defender? Dummy!!
thisishayzed
0
11 goals and they want to make it sound like he’s better than Haaland or mbappe or Vini??
Halaand is a striker 😂
thisishayzed
0
a failed coach giving advice to a soon to be flop player in EPL, pls ManUtd don't need this kind of player
crying 😂😂😂
yaabdikpt
0
And then finally we will enjoy the well cooked rice for you😆😆😆😆
momenhuda
2
If you want to buy striker just go for gyokeres, other striker not better than Jesus & Havertz.
Voebeilmt
2
gunners produce super Stars if he is not yet fully cooked we will cook him better than ever
Meacelmnrz
0
a failed coach giving advice to a soon to be flop player in EPL, pls ManUtd don't need this kind of player
Daphoenix23
2
11 goals and they want to make it sound like he’s better than Haaland or mbappe or Vini??
Wemademsyz
1
11 goals and you are hyping him, United need an experienced striker not kids
jetcekmnop
0
Again alArsenal will be without toffees next season
Feyacdilnz
4
Who cares?Whoever comes to us like and loves us and we will be happy with that.
zutbklnsuy
1
Players can seek advice, but can't follow destiny. Two years ago, where was Arteta ??? Fans eere gunning for him to be sacked, so in Football nothing is permanent.
Naycdknr
4
careers are easily destroyed in Mancheater Urinated.
pihademnpz
3
the only movement needed for Man United to go back to its devastating best is by employing a new coach who's got a playing formation and style. Eric ten Hag just confused players by playing them without direction of formation or style. For example: Bruno Fernandes is a natural No. 10, but he would play on the wing, false 9 (false dawn) or in defense 😕
msiwela07
3
but but Frank De Boer is saying facts as they are. assnal had petience with arteta now their team is compact and challenging for major trophies though they won't come easy. at my club Manchester United their so called legends attack everything that coming to the club for as long it's British. they have a pull it down factor
Kakbdmsz
3
Let him go