Arsenal have identified 21-year-old Monza forward Gustavo Varela as a key transfer target. The young Portuguese player has been in explosive form this season and has become one of Europe's most closely watched young attackers.
Gustavo Varela has scored 11 goals in 10 appearances across all competitions this season, including 9 goals in 9 Serie A rounds, matching Haaland's tally. The numbers are even more impressive given Monza's poor start to the campaign: just 2 wins in their first 10 league matches has left them deep in the relegation zone. Despite limited support from his team, Gustavo Varela has consistently delivered goals, attracting continuous interest from Barcelona and Napoli. According to Portuguese outlet A Bola, Arsenal were one of the first clubs to make a formal inquiry to Monza.
Thanks to his red-hot form, Gustavo Varela received his first call-up to the Portugal senior national team on Friday, a landmark moment for the player. Monza signed him from Benfica this summer for just 2 million euros, as he was considered surplus to requirements there. His current Transfermarkt valuation is 5 million euros, but Monza's asking price is much higher: the club values him at a minimum of 33 million pounds and expects offers to reach as high as 42 million pounds. Moreover, the club does not plan to let him leave in January, as Gustavo Varela is Monza's key weapon in their fight for survival, and selling him in the winter transfer window would severely damage their chances of avoiding relegation.
This creates significant obstacles for Arsenal's plans. Arteta has been scouting strikers, and even after spending 64 million pounds on Viktor Gyökeres more than a year ago, the coaching staff still want to strengthen the centre-forward position. This summer, the Gunners made a strong push for Julián Álvarez, but Atlético Madrid's asking price of over 120 million pounds led to negotiations being shelved. Compared with Álvarez, Gustavo Varela is cheaper, but a deal would still require a substantial investment.
Gustavo Varela's strengths are clear: excellent goal-scoring instincts, a young age and plenty of room for growth. However, there are potential risks too. He has spent only a short time in a top-five league and has yet to prove he can maintain such a high goal-scoring rate over a full season. If he joins Arsenal, he will face tougher competition and greater external scrutiny. With both Viktor Gyökeres and Havertz able to play as centre-forward, Gustavo Varela would likely have to adapt to a rotation and supporting role, making it difficult for him to secure a starting spot immediately.
Despite the two major hurdles of the transfer fee and Monza's unwillingness to sell, with top European clubs eyeing the rising star, Arsenal do not want to miss the opportunity to sign this promising forward.