Arsenal’s striker hunt hinges on €40‑50m Serie A target

Fabrizio Romano has revealed Mikel Arteta's transfer plans, confirming that Arsenal are looking to add a new striker. The transfer insider said the Gunners will target the position over the NEXT couple of transfer windows, with a focus on a Serie A forward.

Over the summer the Gunners bolstered defence and midfield by signing Ezri Konsa, Piero Hincapie and Bruno Guimaraes. Arsenal also signed Christos Tzolis from Club Brugge to add a left‑handed attacking option. Reportedly, The club let Leandro Trossard, Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus depart the Emirates Stadium.

Prior to the summer there were Arsenal might replace Viktor Gyokeres, who has been overtaken by Kai Havertz in the pecking order. The Gunners have been linked with Monza striker Gustavo Varela, a Serie A forward who has netted 11 goals in ten appearances this season. Varela moved to Monza from Benfica for €2m, with Benfica retaining 20 percent of any future fee.

Varela’s price tag

Monza are targeting a fee between €40m (£33m) and €50m (£42m) for Varela, and Arsenal were among the first clubs to enquire. Napoli and Barcelona are also monitoring Varela, and their interest could raise his price when the window reopens.

Portugal manager Jorge Jesus said Varela is the top scorer in Italian football and only 21 years old. He added that Varela’s qualities match his idea of a striker.

Romano explained on his YouTube channel that Arsenal will be opportunistic in January, preferring to wait unless the right opportunity arises. He said Arsenal want to act smart and will only sign a forward if conditions are right. Romano noted that as of 6 November Arsenal cannot guarantee a striker signing because it depends on market opportunities.