Arsenal target likened to Ronaldinho sends message as transfer stance clear

Reported Arsenal transfer target Joshua Zirkzee issued a further reminder of his talent after playing a crucial role in Bologna taking a giant step towards securing Champions League football.

Scoring and assisting in a crucial a 3-1 win at Roma on Monday evening, Zirkzee's efforts saw his current employers open up a seven-point lead on their opponents to solidify third place in Serie A.

The Dutch forward has now scored 12 goals and provided seven assists in all competitions for Bologna this season, further raising his reputation ahead of a possible summer transfer exit.

Arsenal are among the clubs to have been linked with a move for the 22-year-old, who left Bayern Munich on a permanent basis in 2022 to sign for Bologna.

Discussing his style of play in a previous interview, Zirkzee claimed his talent is a product of the "Johan Cruyff courts" in his home country. "I think what the USA has with basketball courts, we have in Holland with the five-a-side pitches," he told Gazzetta. "It makes you tough, you have to be smarter, you have to find a way to keep up with guys that are bigger and stronger than you. I learned on the streets - and that's where creativity comes to life."

His nimble footwork learned on the streets has translated on the pitch in his professional career, leading to a flattering comparison paid by his manager Thiago Motta. Discussing Zirkzee, the former Paris Saint-Germain midfielder remarked: "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, but I cannot compare him to anyone. He is just Joshua, and he is special."

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Under contract until 2026, it remains to be seen whether or not Arsenal are able to strike a deal for the exciting attacker in the coming weeks. Recently commenting on his future, Zirkzee said: "The road is long and you have to work hard every day. If you ask me what I prefer between making Bologna great or going to play for a big club soon, I tell you that the right choice is making Bologna great. Then we’ll see you."