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Arsenal send scouts for new striker target with Isak and Gyokeres unattainable

talksport.com, 23 December 2024, 09:25
Arsenal have reportedly scouted Atalanta striker Mateo Retegui as an alternative transfer target to Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyokeres.

The Gunners look set to invest in new talent during the January transfer window to help strengthen their Premier League title bid.

Kai Havertz has scored 11 goals across all competitions this season and Gabriel Jesus has rediscovered his form with five goals in two games.

Arsenal are still keen on other attacking options though, with Isak and Gyokeres two notable names speculated to be on their radar.

Isak netted a hat-trick in Newcastle's 4-0 win at Ipswich Town on Saturday to increase his goal tally for the campaign to 11.

Over at Sporting Lisbon, Gyokeres has been in sensational form as the fellow Swede has netted on 27 occasions in 26 appearances.

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However, The Sun reported last month that neither striker looks likely to sign for Arsenal.

Barcelona are said to have Isak as their number one summer target, and Gyokeres wants to reunite with Ruben Amorim at Manchester United.

Arsenal may therefore be set to seek other options to bolster their attack, with Atalanta's Retegui emerging as a potential target.

Respected Italian outlet CalcioMercato reports the Gunners sent scouts to watch the 25-year-old in action in November.

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They were in attendance for Atalanta's 6-1 Champions League win at Young Boys, during which Retegui scored two goals.

The Italian has 14 goals to his name in all competitions this season, with 12 of those coming in Serie A to make him the leading scorer.

Retegui had spells at in the academies of Argentine giants River Plate and Boca Juniors before featuring for the latter's senior side.

After three loan spells away from Boca, he signed for Genoa in Italy in 2023 before switching to Atalanta during the summer.

Arsenal could be making a shrewd signing if they go for Retegui, who is currently nursing a thigh injury.

Earlier in the month, head coach Mikel Arteta hinted at signings in January ahead of the second half of the season.

"The window gives us an opportunity to strengthen the team if we feel that is needed and we feel that we have the capacity to do that as well.

"We are on it and just have to assess the situation because it is changing every week. At the moment not for the better, but I'm positive that in a few weeks we're going to be in a better place."

Arsenal remain third in the Premier League following their 5-1 win at Crystal Palace on Saturday evening.

However, they are six points behind leaders Liverpool, who have a game in hand following the postponed Merseyside derby against Everton.

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