Arsenal 'add Bundesliga striker to summer shortlist'

The Gunners may be focused on their thrilling title race with Manchester City, but preparations are already underway for the 2024-25 campaign.

Arsenal have identified the final third as a key area for strengthening, with Mikel Arteta keen to recruit a prolific number nine.

Arteta has recently used Kai Havertz as a central striker, having been left unconvinced by the form of Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah.

The Brazilian has mustered eight goals in 34 competitive matches this season and has failed to score in each of his last 11 appearances.

Arsenal identify Guirassy as summer target

Nketiah has scored just six times in 37 matches this term, while Havertz is the best performer out of the three with 12 goals in 49 games, including eight in his previous 12 top-flight matches.

Although Havertz is enjoying a fine run of form, Arsenal are scouring the market for attacking reinforcements, leading to links with the likes of Juventus' Dusan Vlahovic and Newcastle United's Alexander Isak.

According to Fichajes, Arsenal have added Guirassy to their striker shortlist after being left impressed with his form for Stuttgart this season.

While Isak is believed to be Arsenal's top target, Arsenal have seemingly identified Guirassy as a potential alternative if they fail in their attempts to sign the Newcastle forward.

Guirassy could represent a cost-effective option, with the Stuttgart forward set to command a transfer fee in the region of €17.5m (£15m).

Stuttgart's in-form striker

The Guinea international is catching the attention of several European clubs after enjoying a productive season for Sebastian Hoeness's side.

The striker has racked up 25 goals in 26 Bundesliga appearances since he converted his loan move from Rennes into a permanent deal last summer.

Impressively, Guirassy scored the most goals by a Stuttgart player in a single Bundesliga campaign, surpassing the previous record of 24 which Mario Gomez set in 2008-09.

Guirassy's goalscoring exploits have helped Stuttgart secure Champions League qualification, ensuring the German side will return to UEFA's premier club competition for the first time since 2009-10.