Looking at the Arsenal squad and both Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah with Leandro Trossard in addition, the centre-forward area looks, at least on the surface, well covered. This is reinforced further by the return of high-flying Folarin Balogun who is aiming to break scoring records in Ligue 1 this season with 17 already to his name.
However, despite this, the club have not ruled out potential further investment in the forward line and several forwards have been linked to the club in recent weeks. Atalanta and Demark forward Rasmus Hojlund is of interest to a number of elite clubs including the Gunners.
However, a potential battle with an old continental rival could fall in Arsenal’s favour. According to Gabriel Sans of Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona’s financial troubles have opened the door in the case of Athletico Paranaense striker Vitor Roque.
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With the continuous eliminations from European competition and massive spending in Catalonia, Arsenal look to have the edge and greater freedom in the market. Roque is an exciting forward talent who would grow the contingent of Brazilians at Arsenal.
Gabriel Jesus and Marquinhos arrived last year to add to Gabriel Magalhaes and Gabriel Martinelli. The Gunners are an attractive location for youngsters with Mikel Arteta’s record of using and improving so many starlets in his short time with the club including Roque’s aforementioned compatriots Martinelli and Gabriel.
Edu Gaspar, the Brazilian sporting director at the club has proven his worth in recruitment, especially in the South American market and football.london understands it is an area of scouting geographically they’ve applied greater focus to under the former ‘Invincible’.
However, the acquisition of a striker like Roque at just 18 years of age surely raises questions about Balogun. A consistent season of football for Reims will have the Hale End graduate looking for more minutes next season and perhaps if Arsenal cannot provide it a permanent move would suit both parties.
Any funds from potential suitors, with both AC and Inter Milan linked with the forward, could help to reinvest in any potential deal for Vitor Roque. Whilst Edu’s work at recruitment has been good, the sales side of the club has been far less impressive.
The summer for Arsenal must be focused on establishing the club in the position it has elevated itself to this season. A lonely title race, or even a potential title win, cannot be the peak of this project and making the right choices in the market will be critical.
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