Arsenal are among the clubs keeping a close eye on the development of Monza striker Gustavo Varela.

The Gunners are likely to be in the market for a new centre-forward in 2027. Viktor Gyokeres, although he did score a respectable number of goals last season, has failed to really live up to the hype and is at serious risk of being replaced.

The Sweden international, still goalless through eight games, is reportedly growing frustrated with his reduced role this season. His only starts have come in the Champions League and Carabao Cup, while he has clocked just 80 minutes of Premier League action.

Some reports have suggested that the 28-year-old could push for a move away as early as January. He certainly would have no shortage of suitors, with teams from Spain, Italy and Saudi Arabia known to be interested in him.

However, whether Arsenal would be willing to make such a significant alteration to their squad mid-season remains to be seen. They are, however, clearly paying close attention to the strikers market in anticipation of a Gyokeres exit.

Arsenal eye Varela

The reigning Premier League champions have been linked with numerous potential reinforcements. Julian Alvarez remains a target despite the Atletico Madrid star’s reluctance to return to England. Club Brugge sensation Nicolo Tresoldi is being closely monitored, too.

Now, Gazzetta dello Sport claims that the Gunners are also keeping tabs on red-hot Monza striker Gustavo Varela, who has started like a house on fire in Serie A. The 21-year-old has bagged six goals in as many games.

Born in Lisbon, Varela initially played in Sporting CP’s academy before spending the rest of his youth in Greece with PAOK, where his father Fernando played for six years. He joined Benfica in 2022 and, after a loan at Gil Vicente, moved on to Monza this summer for just €2.5 million. He has hit like a bomb in Italy.

The report notes that “everyone's crazy about” the Portugal U21 international and disputes claims from Portugal that Benfica have a buy-back clause. Instead, the Lisbon giants have matching rights and a 20% sell-on clause.

Napoli have already expressed an interest in signing Varela, who still has “enormous room for improvement in many areas,” according to manager Ivan Juric. Lorenzo Lucca is expected to depart in January after being a huge disappointment, which would necessitate the signing of a replacement.

The Naples club’s interest in Varela seems significantly more advanced than Arsenal’s. The Gunners are just scouting the 21-year-old at this stage, and it is doubtful that they would be willing to take a gamble on a player who is in just his second season of top-level football.