According to a report by Metro on Thursday November 5, 2026, Arsenal are among the first clubs to enquire about the availability of Monza striker Gustavo Varela following his impressive start to the Serie A season.

The 21-year-old Portuguese forward has attracted interest from several European clubs after scoring nine goals in his opening nine league appearances for the Italian side.

According to Portuguese newspaper A Bola, Arsenal, Barcelona and Napoli are all monitoring Varela's situation as they consider a possible move for the highly-rated youngster.

The report claims that Arsenal are among several Premier League clubs to have expressed an interest in the striker and were 'one of the first to enquire' about his potential availability.

Varela joined Monza from Benfica during the summer transfer window for a fee of around €2 million (£1.7 million), including performance-related bonuses.

Although Monza have struggled since returning to Serie A and currently sit 18th in the table, the young forward has been one of the few positive performers for the club.

His impressive goalscoring record has earned him the Serie A Rising Star of the Month award for October and placed him on the radar of some of Europe's biggest teams.

Monza are reportedly demanding between €40 million and €50 million, equivalent to approximately £33 million to £42 million, for the striker.

The Italian club could increase their asking price if Portugal manager Jorge Jesus includes Varela in his next senior national team squad.

Benfica could also benefit financially from any potential transfer, having secured a clause entitling them to 20 per cent of Monza's future sale of the player.

The Portuguese club also reportedly have the right of first refusal should a bidding war develop, although they did not include a buy-back clause when allowing him to leave.

Varela's current contract with Monza runs until June 2030, putting the Italian club in a strong position to negotiate his departure.

Arsenal's reported interest comes amid questions about their centre-forward options, particularly following Viktor Gyokeres' difficult start to life in north London.

The Sweden international arrived from Sporting for £64 million last year but has struggled to reproduce the goalscoring form that made him one of Europe's most sought-after strikers.

Gyokeres is yet to score in the Premier League this season and has made just one start in the competition, with Mikel Arteta often preferring Kai Havertz as his main attacking option.

However, the former Sporting striker showed signs of improvement in Arsenal's 2-1 Champions League victory over Slavia Prague on Wednesday, scoring a goal and providing an assist.

Arteta was pleased with his contribution, praising his connection with his teammates and describing the performance as important for his confidence.

Despite that encouraging display, Arsenal's reported interest in Varela suggests the club could still be considering additional attacking options.

The young Monza forward has yet to establish himself at the highest level of European football, but his early goalscoring numbers have made him an attractive prospect.