Arsenal are preparing a £40m bid to make a hotshot Serie A striker their first signing of the summer. 

The Gunners are set to make a formal approach to land Bologna's hotshot forward Joshua Zirkzee.

Boss Mikel Arteta is keen to bolster his squad before Euro 2024 and certainly before the club's pre-season tour of America in July - meaining the Netherlands-born U21 international fits the bill after a stella season in Italy.

In defence-minded Serie A, Zirkzee scored an impressive 11 goals to seal fifth place for Bologna.

The former Anderlecht youngster also provided five assists in 34 league matches as Thiago Motta's side qualifed Bologna for the Champions League for the first time in six decades. 

Standing at 6ft 4in the attacker would be perfectly suited to Arteta's style which featured Kai Havertz as the main focal point this season. 

The 23-year-old only has a contract until 2026, meaning it is increasingly likely Zirkzee will exit the Stadio Renato Dall’Ara this summer.

It is understood the player has a release clause in his contract which would be triggered by a bid of €40.00m or more.