Arsenal transfer news: The Gunners have emerged as leading contenders for Bournemouth striker Evanilson, according to TEAMtalk, with Manchester City the only club said to be in an equally strong position. Bournemouth reportedly want at least €60m (£50m) before they sell, a fee that would give them a profit on the £40m they paid Porto for the Brazilian in 2024. Other clubs are monitoring him, but the report puts the Gunners and City clearly in front.

What Evanilson offers Arteta

The 27-year-old suits a side that wants its centre-forward involved in build-up play. He creates 1.2 chances per 90 minutes, loses possession just 0.8 times per 90 according to Squawka, and he’s equally happy running in behind or taking the ball with his back to goal. That has produced four league goals and four assists this season, as Bournemouth recovered from a winless start under Marco Rose to win six in a row.

The weakness is finishing. Evanilson scored six league goals last season from an expected tally of roughly eight, and he has converted only four of 22 shots this term. He links play well, yet he isn’t a natural 20-goal striker.

Arsenal transfer news: Why Arsenal would consider it

Arsenal have won nine of ten league games and scored 15 goals, but Viktor Gyokeres, who hit 14 in the league last season, has just one goal involvement in 2026/27. Gabriel Jesus has left, which leaves Gyokeres and Kai Havertz as the main central options.

Is Evanilson the right striker for Arsenal?

Not at £50m, and not as the answer to Arsenal’s problem. Mikel Arteta’s team creates enough chances already, with an expected-goals figure above two in several recent wins, so the issue is finishing them.

Evanilson would improve the link play Gyokeres has lacked, yet he fell short of his expected goals last season and has managed ten and six league goals in his two Premier League campaigns. Paying a January premium while Bournemouth are flying also means paying for a hot streak.

Arsenal spent £64m on Gyokeres, and a second £50m striker would leave them with two forwards doing similar jobs. Andrea Berta would be better served waiting until the summer, or targeting a proven goalscorer.

If Arsenal do pursue Evanilson, it should be as a clear first choice with Gyokeres sold, not as an expensive back-up. Arsenal lead the table with a striker who has barely scored, so £50m on a link player would fix the wrong problem.