Arsenal take steps to sign Monza striker Gustavo Varela amid Napoli competition

Arsenal have reportedly begun making moves to sign Monza striker Gustavo Varela, according to Tuttomercatoweb. The 21-year-old Portuguese forward has scored nine goals in eight appearances since joining from Benfica, attracting interest from Napoli and Premier League clubs, though a January offer is considered unlikely.

  • Target: Gustavo Varela, 21-year-old striker at Monza
  • Competition: Napoli, plus other unnamed Premier League clubs
  • Form: 9 goals and 1 assist in 8 appearances this season
  • Current Arsenal strikers: Kai Havertz and Viktor Gyokeres
  • Likely outcome: No January or summer offer expected; speculation could be agent-driven

Deal details

According to Italian outlet Tuttomercatoweb, Arsenal are in the race to land Monza's Gustavo Varela. The report states that Premier League clubs have started making moves for the Portuguese ace, with 'Arsenal above all' keen on recruiting him. Napoli are the main contenders from Serie A.

Varela only arrived at Monza from Benfica at the beginning of the current campaign. No fee, contract length, or formal offer has been reported. The source describes Arsenal's interest as steps being taken, rather than a concrete bid.

The numbers

  • 8 appearances for Monza this season
  • 9 goals scored
  • 1 assist provided
  • 30% duel success rate in early Serie A campaign
  • 3 goals scored by Kai Havertz across all competitions this season
  • 0 goals scored by Viktor Gyokeres this season

Why Arsenal are considering Varela – and why a deal is unlikely

Arsenal's need for attacking reinforcement is clear. The Gunners signed only one winger last summer, Christos Tzolis from Club Brugge, despite links to several marquee forwards. With Mikel Arteta's side competing for regular silverware, another striker is expected eventually.

However, Varela's profile raises doubts. Despite his goalscoring, the 21-year-old is not the best in winning duels, with a success rate just over 30% in the early Serie A campaign. He is also not the best when linking up or holding up play, though his mobility has impressed.

Arsenal currently have Kai Havertz and Viktor Gyokeres as specialist senior strikers. Havertz has been the Premier League regular and has netted three goals across all competitions. Gyokeres has yet to find the back of the net but remains highly valued and is not contemplating his future. He could make way if another marquee striker arrives.

The source suggests Arsenal are expected to sign a marquee striker over a youngster yet to prove himself consistently at the highest level in Europe's top-five leagues. Hence, it seems unlikely that Arsenal will make an offer for Varela in January or next summer. The speculation could be agent-driven to trigger more attention from other top European clubs.

Talking points

  • Should Arsenal gamble on Varela's goalscoring or wait for a proven marquee striker? The 30% duel success rate suggests he is not ready for the Premier League's physicality.
  • Is Viktor Gyokeres' future at risk? He has zero goals this season, and the report claims he could make way if a big striker arrives.
  • Why are Arsenal being linked with so many strikers? Last summer they signed only winger Christos Tzolis, so the need is real.
  • Could this be an agent ploy? Tuttomercatoweb hints the speculation may be designed to attract other top European clubs.

What happens next

Arsenal face a decision on whether to pursue Varela in January or next summer. The club's priority remains a marquee striker, and with Gyokeres and Havertz already at the club, a move for the 21-year-old appears unlikely unless his all-round game improves significantly. Napoli remain the main Serie A contender for his signature.

Frequently asked questions

Are Arsenal signing Gustavo Varela?

No deal is close. According to Tuttomercatoweb, Arsenal are taking steps and are keen, but a January or summer offer is considered unlikely.

How many goals has Gustavo Varela scored this season?

Varela has scored 9 goals and provided 1 assist in 8 appearances for Monza since joining from Benfica.

Who else wants to sign Gustavo Varela?

Napoli are the main contenders from Serie A, and other Premier League clubs have also started making moves.

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