Arsenal are preparing for a huge Champions League encounter against Bayern Munich, but sporting director Andrea Berta is already working behind the scenes to establish the Gunners’ transfer plans ahead of January.
Mikel Arteta’s side will be looking to continue their impressive European campaign against the German giants, who will be without key players Michael Olise and Joshua Kimmich.
But questions remain over certain areas of Arsenal’s squad, particularly in attack, where Berta could look to address any concerns when the winter transfer window opens.
Mikel Arteta responds to Arsenal criticism ahead of Bayern clash
Speaking ahead of the Bayern encounter, Arteta was questioned about criticism of Arsenal’s playing style, with the Spaniard insisting his side have evolved considerably since last season.
“I don’t have that impression because I heard that the style was incredible because we have scored so many goals,” Arteta explained.
“We have more possession, more shots, different players participating, no goals on set pieces. So the story is completely different to last year.
“I think we are talking about a very small minority. I think the bigger ones, they know that they have enjoyed a lot the way we have played and dominated games this year. I think we have proven that. So, that’s my opinion.”
There is certainly evidence to support Arteta’s argument, particularly when examining Arsenal’s attacking output from dead-ball situations.
The Gunners scored a Premier League-high 25 non-penalty set-piece goals during their title-winning campaign, but have yet to register one from such a situation in their opening seven league matches this season.
Instead, Arsenal have become less reliant on set pieces, although that has not completely eliminated concerns about their options in the final third.
Kai Havertz has emerged as the preferred option through the middle, despite being more of a hybrid attacking midfielder and centre-forward than an out-and-out striker.
Meanwhile, Viktor Gyokeres has struggled to justify his substantial transfer fee since arriving from Sporting CP, with the Sweden international finding himself increasingly marginalised.
Indeed, reports have suggested Gyokeres is now looking to leave Arsenal in January, potentially forcing Berta to enter the market for another forward.
Arsenal were heavily linked with Atletico Madrid star Julian Alvarez during the summer, having reportedly made significant efforts to bring the Argentine to north London.
Yet, rather than pursuing another established superstar to compete with Havertz, the Gunners are now eyeing a considerably cheaper and more inexperienced alternative.
What do Arsenal’s forwards earn? | |
|---|---|
Player | Weekly wage |
Bukayo Saka | £350,000 |
Kai Havertz | £280,000 |
Viktor Gyokeres | £200,000 |
Noni Madueke | £150,000 |
Christos Tzolis | £90,000 |
Arsenal identify £1.6m striker Gustavo Varela as Gyokeres replacement
According to Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, via Sport Witness, Arsenal are keeping tabs on Monza striker Gustavo Varela, whose remarkable goalscoring form has attracted attention from several European clubs.
The 21-year-old only joined Monza from Benfica during the summer, costing the Italian outfit a modest €2m (£1.6m), but has quickly established himself as one of Serie A’s most exciting emerging forwards.
Varela has scored six goals in just six league appearances this season, averaging a goal per game, while also finding the net twice in the Coppa Italia.
However, Arsenal face significant competition for his signature, with Napoli reportedly leading the race to secure the Portuguese youngster.
Benfica could also complicate matters, having negotiated the right to match any offers received by Monza, potentially giving them an opportunity to bring Varela back to Portugal.
For Arsenal, a move for Varela would represent a surprising change in recruitment strategy, particularly after their previous pursuit of expensive, established forwards.
Replacing Gyokeres, who cost the Gunners more than £60m, with a relatively unproven youngster who was available for just £1.6m a few months ago would certainly raise eyebrows.
Nevertheless, Varela’s early performances suggest he possesses considerable potential, and he could offer Arteta an alternative to Havertz without the enormous financial commitment required to sign another marquee name.
Arsenal’s squad is already among the strongest in Europe, but further additions at centre-forward and on the left wing could help take the Gunners to another level.
Arteta himself acknowledged that there remains room for improvement when discussing his team’s performances ahead of the Bayern clash.
“Thank God that we are not perfect, thank God we can still improve, even though we have won the games we have won, because otherwise, the next day, what do you do?”
Whether Varela emerges as a genuine January target remains to be seen, but Arsenal’s reported interest suggests Berta is exploring different ways to strengthen an already formidable squad.
Source: www.footballfancast.com
