Arsenal have reportedly identified Mateo Retegui as a possible alternative to striker target Viktor Gyokeres, with the Italian forward rated at €50 million.
According to Caught Offside, Mateo Retegui has made his way into the Arsenal striker shortlist ahead of the January transfer window. Considering their problems in front of goal this season, Mikel Arteta might address the issue by signing a new centre-forward, and the Italian international is viewed as an alternative to top target Viktor Gyokeres.
Arsenal are nine points behind leaders Liverpool after their 1-1 draw away to Chelsea, which does leave a mountain to climb for Mikel Arteta and his charges. The Gunners have visibly had a problem in the final third, with the goals drying up, especially when Kai Havertz has been tasked with multiple roles, while Gabriel Jesus remains out of form.
The need for a new striker is nothing new, as the requirement has persisted since last January, although Arteta has kept faith with his existing options. There have been enough links to Viktor Gyokeres, which has grown stronger since the planned departure of Sporting CP manager Ruben Amorim.
Gyokeres is open to a future Premier League challenge, and if Arsenal enter the race in a big way, they will be seen as one of the favourites to land the Swede. However, any transfer of the Sporting star will be difficult due to the release clause in his contract. If the Gunners want him in January, it will be tough to negotiate with the Portuguese side.
There are alternatives on their list, with Benjamin Sesko a big target for Arsenal, although the idea of convincing RB Leipzig or even the player for January will be challenging. The latest name to emerge on their list is that of Atalanta striker Mateo Retegui, who could move for €50 million next year.
Arsenal are keen on Mateo Retegui
Retegui has enjoyed a brilliant start to his season with Atalanta, who are currently second in Serie A, a point below leaders Napoli. The Italian striker is also topping the charts for goals with 11 strikes to his name, as Atalanta are in a position to mount a title challenge in Serie A. Hence, the likelihood of the Italian international side letting their top scorer leave midway through the season seems difficult, yet there’s talk of a €50 million asking price.
Arsenal would be in an excellent position to pay the necessary fee for the €50 million-rated Italian international, whom they see as a viable alternative to Gyokeres. There will be questions about whether Mateo Retegui suits Arteta’s style, although, going by form, he is one of the most prolific marksmen around.
