Arsenal eye Monza's Gustavo Varela as Gyokeres future at club grows uncertain

Arsenal are keeping tabs on Monza forward Gustavo Varela as Mikel Arteta considers bolstering his striking options, according to a report from Gazzetta dello Sport relayed by Sport Witness, with transfer expert Gianluca Di Marzio adding that “major offers could be on the way” for the 21-year-old.

Varela joined Monza from Benfica in the summer and has made an immediate impact in Serie A, scoring six goals in six appearances. Napoli are said to be leading the race for his signature at this stage, but Arsenal have an eye on the situation. Benfica retain the right to match any bid for the Uruguayan, though may choose not to exercise it if Arsenal’s offer exceeds their budget. Transfermarkt currently values Varela at €5 million.

The interest comes amid growing uncertainty over Viktor Gyokeres’ place in Arsenal’s plans. Despite finishing as the club’s top scorer across all competitions last season — a campaign that ended with a Premier League title and a Champions League final appearance — the Swedish striker has not started a single league fixture this term. With Kai Havertz returning from the injury that limited him for much of last season, Gyokeres has been reduced to cameo appearances in the Champions League and Carabao Cup.

Gyokeres himself has acknowledged a desire to “play football as much as possible”, and reports suggest Arteta may look to move him on in the coming months in favour of a centre-forward more suited to holding the ball up and linking play.

Arsenal’s summer transfer window offered a glimpse of the constraints they face in the market. Both Vinicius Junior and Julián Álvarez opted against moves to north London, leaving the Gunners to strengthen their attack only through the signing of Christos Tzolis. That outcome may push the club towards less heralded but attainable targets — with Varela fitting that profile.

Arteta’s side reached the latter stages of three competitions last season, and with European football again on the agenda, depth in attack remains a priority heading into the January window.