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Arsenal have Marcus Thuram as Joshua Zirkzee’s back up plan

By on May 3, 2024

Marcus Thuram Gabriel Jesus Joshua Zirkzee

Arsenal want to sign Joshua Zirkzee this summer but have lined-up Marcus Thuram as a ‘Plan B’ in-case they fail to land their prime target, according to Inter Live.

Zirkzee is undeniably one of European football’s most exciting prospects having contributed 12 goals and 7 assists for Bologna this season. His brilliant performances have helped the Italians push for Champions League qualification and Zirkzee has attracted interest from a number of top clubs.

Arsenal have been strongly linked with the Dutchman in recent months while the likes of AC Milan, Juventus, and Inter Milan have also been touted as suitors.

Inter Live suggest that Zirkzee is keen to remain in Serie A but the Italian clubs will struggle to afford his £51m asking price, which puts Arsenal in a strong position to secure his signature.

Thuram the back up

However, it remains to be seen whether the Gunners can convince Zirkzee to move to London. This uncertainty, as per Inter Live, has forced Arsenal to line-up alternative options and Thuram is emerging as their ‘Plan B’.

Earlier this week, Fichajes extensively covered Arsenal’s interest in the Frenchman. They argued that the Serie A champs, seeking to reduce their debt, expressed a willingness to sell the 26-year-old striker if a suitable offer arrived.

A year into his Inter-switch, Thuram has been brilliant; across all competitions, he’s scored 14 goals and assisted 13 others. The Frenchman has demonstrated versatility while at the top of his game at Inter, playing as either a striker or a left winger. Given his technical ability and physical characteristics, he can undoubtedly prosper in the Premier League.

According to Inter Live, Arsenal could be willing to offer Gabriel Jesus plus £26m in exchange for Thuram this summer. Inter director Piero Ausilio is known to be a fan of Arsenal’s No. 9, but it’s unclear if they would accept such an offer.

We’ll have to wait and see how things develop over the coming months. It appears Zirkzee is Arsenal’s prime target but Thuram would be an interesting alternative if the Gunners fail to land the Bologna hitman.