Arsenal identify Viktor Gyokeres 'Plan B'

Cameron Smith

11 Nov 2024 09:15 GMT
4 min read

Arsenal have reportedly identified Atalanta forward Mateo Retegui as an alternative to Sporting CP goal machine Viktor Gyokeres.

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The Gunners are set to sign a new centre forward next summer, amid Kai Havertz’s recent struggles and the likely departure of Gabriel Jesus, and they have sounded out Retegui as a possible option.

That is according to CaughtOffside, who report that a deal could be agreed with Atalanta if Arsenal lodge a bid of at least €50 million.

Gyokeres remains Arsenal’s priority target, but Retegui has reportedly emerged as a ‘Plan B’ alternative following his immense start to life under Gian Piero Gasperini at Atalanta.

The Italy international joined the Bergamo outfit from Genoa for €22m in August and he currently leads the goalscoring charts in Serie A with 11 goals in just 12 league appearances so far this season.

Atalanta are eager to keep Retegui, but they could be forced to sell the 25-year-old if they receive a suitable offer when the 2025 summer transfer window opens.

READ MORE: Arsenal's 'MISSING LINK' revealed

Even off the bench Retegui was still among the goals 😮‍💨#NapoliAtalanta pic.twitter.com/oXEIKCfzHe
— Lega Serie A (@SerieA_EN) November 4, 2024

Arsenal to sign a new striker?

In addition to Gyokeres and Retegui, Arsenal are monitoring the likes of Benjamin Sesko, Dusan Vlahovic and Alexander Isak as they search for a new number nine to bolster Mikel Arteta’s starting XI, while Jhon Duran has also been linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium.

Havertz has started every Premier League fixture as Arsenal’s centre forward so far this term, but he is without a goal in his last four English top flight appearances and the Gunners have failed to win any of those games.

Current ETV

Kai Havertz

F, M (C)

Arsenal

Kai Havertz

F, M (C)

Arsenal

ETV Range

€70.9M - €118.2M

Jesus, on the other hand, has only scored once in 15 matches since the start of the 2024-25 campaign.

Arsenal were recently urged to sign a new striker by Alan Shearer, who told The Athletic: “I’ve been impressed with what I’ve seen from Havertz this season [but]... I haven’t changed my view since last season.

“They’ve got Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Jesus, but I’d still say they need an out-and-out centre-forward. They needed one in the summer. They still do now.”