Arsenal 'reach out' to striker matching Haaland's goal tally this season
Arsenal have identified a potential transfer target who is taking European football by storm, with the Gunners reportedly submitting a formal enquiry about Monza forward Gustavo Varela.
The 21 year old has scored 11 goals in 10 appearances in all competitions this season, with nine of those coming in nine Serie A matches, a tally identical to Manchester City striker Erling Haaland's in the same competition.
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What makes Varela's form even more striking is the context in which he has produced it. Monza have endured a torrid start to the campaign and currently sit in the relegation zone, having won just two of their opening 10 league fixtures. Despite that, the Portuguese forward has continued to find the net regularly, drawing attention from several of Europe's biggest clubs.
According to Portuguese outlet A Bola, Arsenal have already communicated a concrete interest in the Portugal Under-21 international, with Barcelona and Napoli also said to be monitoring his progress. Arsenal are understood to be among the first clubs to have made contact.
From Benfica reject to Portugal call up
Varela's rise has been rapid. Only a few months ago he was deemed surplus to requirements at Benfica, who sold him to Monza over the summer for a reported €2million (£1.7m). His performances since have already made that fee look like a bargain, with Transfermarkt now valuing him at €5m (£4.2m), though that figure sits well below what Monza would actually demand for a sale.
His form has also been recognised at international level, with Varela handed his first call up to the senior Portugal squad this week, a significant milestone for a player who began the season on the fringes at his former club.
A pricey alternative to Alvarez
Monza are understood to value Varela at upwards of £33m, with some reports suggesting a fee as high as £42m, and have little intention of sanctioning a January departure. With the club fighting to preserve their Serie A status, losing their most productive attacker midway through the season would be a major blow to their survival hopes.
That could complicate any move for Arsenal, who are reportedly assessing their options in the striker market despite investing £64m in Viktor Gyokeres just over a year ago. Arsenal were heavily linked with Julian Alvarez over the summer but ultimately baulked at Atletico Madrid's reported valuation of more than £120m for the Argentine. Varela would represent a considerably cheaper alternative, though his likely asking price would still require a significant outlay.
With Gyokeres and Kai Havertz already established options through the middle, Varela would likely need to accept a supporting role initially rather than walking straight into a starting position. Monza's valuation and reluctance to sell in January stand as clear obstacles, but his performances this season have ensured he remains firmly on the radar of Europe's leading clubs.
