Chelsea are reportedly eyeing Bologna striker Joshua Zirkzee as an option to bolster their attack in the summer.
The Blues have been toothless in attack for much of the season, managing 41 goals in 25 Premier League games thus far. They signed Nicolas Jackson from Villarreal last summer but remain in the market for an even better centre-forward to supply the team with goals regularly while the Senegal international continues his development.
According to Italian outlet Corriere Dello Sport (h/t Sport Witness), Chelsea are among the clubs interested in signing Bologna’s Joshua Zirkzee.
Zirkzee, 22, scored his 10th goal of the season on Sunday—a winner against Lazio to put Bologna firmly in contention for a place in Europe. The forward’s performances have led to a long list of suitors keeping tabs on him at the moment, including the likes of Manchester United, AC Milan and Barcelona.
Joshua Zirkzee to Chelsea—Right option?
Chelsea must bring a cutting edge to their attack if they intend to compete for major honours under Mauricio Pochettino. Players like Raheem Sterling, Mykhaylo Mudryk, Nicolas Jackson and Noni Madueke have failed to live up to the lofty expectations since arriving at Stamford Bridge, whereas Christopher Nkunku’s debut season has been ravaged by injury problems.
The inconsistency of the aforementioned attackers highlights the need for a dependable goalscorer, someone who can guarantee at least 15-20 goals a season. The over-reliance on non-strikers for goals such as Cole Palmer and Conor Gallagher underlines the urgency to find a top goalscorer. The potential acquisition of Joshua Zirkzee is seen as a remedy to Chelsea’s woes in front of goal.
Zirkzee has proven his talent at Bologna, demonstrating his ruthless finishing, link-up play and creative brain after limited opportunities with Bayern Munich. Owing to his eye-catching performances in Bologna colours, he is regarded as one of the hottest prospects in Serie A and it is not surprising to see a queue of clubs vying for his signature.
The Dutchman could be a strong addition to Chelsea’s attacking ranks. With creative players such as Palmer, Sterling and Nkunku around him, Joshua Zirkzee should thrive in Pochettino’s pressing system. He would be a good option to compete with Jackson for the No.9 role, whilst improving the depth of the squad.
Chelsea are currently having a disappointing season by their standards and are likely to miss out on Champions League qualification. Given their position, clubs such as Arsenal, Man United, Barcelona and AC Milan remain ahead in the queue for the player’s signature. While signing the Dutch forward could prove to be a wise decision, the Blues will need to stave off a lot of competition in the summer.
