Arsenal could rival Man Utd for Bayern Munich treble winner to solve Mikel Arteta's biggest problem

Arsenal could hijack Manchester United's move for a striker as Mikel Arteta looks to solve his side's issues in-front of goal.

Arsenal were surprise Premier League title contenders last season and topped the table for much of the campaign, but this year they have regressed rather than progressed.

After winning just one of their last five games, Arteta's side are currently fourth in the standings, five points behind league leaders Liverpool.

One of the key factors behind Arsenal's struggles this term has been a failure to convert opportunities in front of goal.

The Gunners have scored just 37 goals in 20 league outings this season. Liverpool and Aston Villa have both scored 43 goals, while Manchester City have bagged 45.

Bukayo Saka is Arsenal's top scorer in the league with six goals, while strikers Eddie Nketiah and Gabriel Jesus have just eight goals between them.

To address the problem, the London club may look to beat Manchester United to the signing of young Dutch striker Joshua Zirkzee.

The 22-year-old is currently plying his trade in Serie A with Bologna, where he has scored eight goals and provided four assists in all competitions this season.

Zirkzee joined the Italian club from Bayern Munich in 2022 in a deal worth €8.5 million (£7.32 million), and was a member of Bayern's 2019/20 treble winning squad.

Joshua Zirkzee (Image: Getty)

According to The Telegraph, Arsenal are interested in signing Zirkzee, although a January move would be complicated after the Gunners spent more than £200 million last summer.

While Bologna have no intention of selling Zirkzee, the Italians would likely command a fee in the region of £50 million for the striker. The club's sporting director Marco Di Vaio has confirmed that Zirkzee has a release clause but that it is only valid for Bayern Munich.

Manchester United have previously shown interest in Zirkzee. According to The Mirror, United are considering the Netherlands youth international as an option to further bolster Erik ten Hag's attacking options.

Arteta has publicly played down the chances of his side signing a new attacker this month, but they would strike a major blow to United if they snatch Zirkzee from under there noses.