Arsenal take initial steps to sign bargain striker in January

Arsenal have made enquiries about Monza striker Gustavo Varela, who has scored seven Serie A goals this season after joining for €2m.

Arsenal have taken initial steps towards signing Monza's Gustavo Varela, the Portuguese striker who has emerged as one of Serie A's standout performers this season. Varela has netted seven league goals and nine in all competitions in just eight games, a remarkable return after Monza signed him from Benfica for around €2m.

Arsenal have already made enquiries about a deal, facing competition from Italian clubs including Inter and Napoli, who are monitoring the 21-year-old closely. Benfica retain the right to match any offer and hold a 20% sell-on clause, with Varela's current valuation set at €15m, though this could rise if his form continues.

Monza are expected to create an auction for the player in January, keen to secure a significant capital gain. Arsenal see Varela as a potential back-up option in the centre-forward area, with the player unlikely to demand regular first-team football.