Dutch striker on Arsenal’s radar considers switching allegiance to Nigeria

Netherland-born forward Joshua Zirkzee is considering switching his allegiance to Nigeria.

Born to a Dutch father and a Nigerian mother, Zirkzee has only played youth football for the Netherlands.

The 22-year-old former Bayern Munich player is eligible to play for either the Netherlands or Nigeria.

Switching allegiance to Nigeria, he said, is an option being considered.

“Choosing Nigeria? It’s not easy to say. If the Netherlands aren’t calling, then I’ll choose Nigeria,” Zirkzee was quoted by Algemeen Dagblad via EuroFoot.

“Are they even calling? Maybe. The competition there for attackers is perhaps just as great as in the Dutch team. Nigeria has Boniface, Osimhen and many more attackers.

“My dream has always been the Dutch national team. However, the EURO is not necessarily a crossroad. If that doesn’t happen then, I’ll look further.”

Zirkzee was part of the Bayern Munich side that won the Bundesliga, German Cup and UEFA Champions League in 2020.

He left Feyenoord academy in 2017 to join Bayern youth team.

On 1 March, 2019, he scored a hat-trick in his debut for Bayern Munich youth side.

He made his debut with the senior team on 11 December 2019 against Tottenham Hotspur in the final group stage match of the Champions League.

He eventually left Bayern on 30 August 2022 and joined Italian side Bologna on a permanent deal.

This season, he has scored nine goals, provided three assists in 25 league games. A host of top clubs including Arsenal, Manchester United are reportedly tracking the striker for a transfer in the summer.