The race for young striker Joshua Zirkzee is heating up, with Arsenal emerging as a serious contender.

The Gunners are reportedly prepared to offer Zirkzee a lucrative €6 million salary to secure his services. However, they face stiff competition from several European giants.

BOLOGNA, ITALY - FEBRUARY 14: Joshua Zirkzee of Bologna FC reacts during the Serie A TIM match between Bologna FC and ACF Fiorentina - Serie A TIM at Stadio Renato Dall'Ara on February 14, 2024 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
BOLOGNA, ITALY – FEBRUARY 14: Joshua Zirkzee of Bologna FC reacts during the Serie A TIM match between Bologna FC and ACF Fiorentina – Serie A TIM at Stadio Renato Dall’Ara on February 14, 2024 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

22-year-old Joshua Zirkzee, currently playing for Bologna, has been in red-hot form this season, bagging 11 goals and providing six assists in just 31 appearances. His impressive performances have not gone unnoticed, with Bayern Munich, Juventus, and AC Milan all keeping tabs on the striker.

The situation for Arsenal is further complicated by a buy-back clause held by Zirkzee’s former club, Bayern Munich. This means the Bavarians have the first right to re-sign the striker if they choose to do so.

BOLOGNA, ITALY - JANUARY 05: Joshua Zirkzee of Bologna FC runs with the ball whilst under pressure from Milan Badelj of Genoa CFC during the Serie A TIM match between Bologna FC and Genoa CFC at Stadio Renato Dall'Ara on January 05, 2024 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
BOLOGNA, ITALY – JANUARY 05: Joshua Zirkzee of Bologna FC runs with the ball whilst under pressure from Milan Badelj of Genoa CFC during the Serie A TIM match between Bologna FC and Genoa CFC at Stadio Renato Dall’Ara on January 05, 2024 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

Bologna, meanwhile, are determined to hold onto their prized asset. The Italian club is currently pushing for a Champions League spot, and Zirkzee’s goals have been instrumental in their pursuit.

With several top clubs circling, Zirkzee finds himself in a favorable position. The hefty salary offer from Arsenal is sure to be tempting, but the lure of returning to his former club or playing for a European giant like Juventus or AC Milan could also be attractive propositions.

The coming weeks will be crucial in determining Zirkzee’s future. Arsenal will be hoping their lucrative offer sways the striker, but they face an uphill battle against the competition and the potential involvement of Bayern Munich.