Arsenal have reportedly identified Espanyol’s Raul De Tomas as an ideal alternative for top target Dusan Vlahovic this January.
According to a report from AS, Arsenal have set their sights on Raul De Tomas. The Premier League giants have identified the Espanyol forward as an ideal transfer alternative to Dusan Vlahovic, as Mikel Arteta looks to land a top striker in the January transfer window.
Arsenal have been mainly linked with a swoop for Vlahovic. They are even prepared to meet Fiorentina’s €70 million demands, but it appears the player’s agent is holding out for a potential move to Juventus. Vlahovic could wait until the summer before making a decision, with the player looking for regular participation in the UEFA Champions League.
It has compelled Arteta to seek potential alternatives in the market. The Gunners have been recently linked with a swoop for Dominic Calvert-Lewin, but they could face stiff competition from league rivals West Ham United in the pursuit of the Everton striker.
In addition to Calvert-Lewin, it appears Arteta is also keeping an eye on Raul De Tomas. Arsenal have been monitoring the progress of the Espanyol striker for a while now, with the Spaniard establishing himself as a top-class goalscorer in La Liga since his return to Spain in early 2020.
The former Real Madrid starlet has netted 40 goals in just 76 competitive matches in two years. Twelve of his goals have come in La Liga this term, with his contributions in the final third proving to be critical in helping Espanyol maintain their mid-table status and remain out of the relegation scrap.
However, with Arsenal keen on securing his services, De Tomas’ spell in Catalonia could soon come to an end. Although the Spanish striker lacks the physical aspects of Vlahovic’s game, Arteta believes he has what it takes to emerge as the long-term replacement for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who has fallen out of favour at the Emirates.
The Gabonese international is facing an uncertain future at the club amid interest from Paris Saint-Germain, Juventus and AC Milan, whereas Alexandre Lacazette’s Arsenal contract expires at the end of the season.
It accentuates the need for a new centre-forward, with Raul De Tomas emerging as an attractive option, thanks to his age profile and recent success at Espanyol. However, the Spanish striker might not be easy prey as the Catalonians are unwilling to sanction a loan deal in January, meaning Arsenal will have to trigger his €70 million release clause in order to attain his services.
