Arsenal could potentially save around £23m this summer by securing the services of Feyenoord winger Luis Sinisterra instead of PSV's Cody Gakpo. Both forwards are flourishing in the Eredivisie this season and have been linked with a move to north London in the coming months.
According to Voetbal International, the Gunners are in 'pole position' and currently leading the race to sign Gakpo. The 22-year-old has scored 18 goals and provided 15 assists in 42 games so far this season, which has caught the eye of several European clubs. Reports suggest it will take at least £35m to strike a deal.
Meanwhile, Italian outlet Corriere dello Sport has reported that Arsenal are among a host of clubs chasing Sinisterra and have already made a proposal to the player, who is reportedly valued at £12.4m. Also in 42 appearances, the Colombian has scored three more goals than Gakpo, finding the back of the net on 21 occasions and contributing 11 assists, just four less than his league counterpart.
READ MORE: Arsenal outcast can help Edu replicate Luis Diaz Liverpool blueprint to seal £12.4m bargain
Like his international teammate Luis Diaz, Sinisterra is primarily right-footed but mainly operates on the left-hand side of the attack. The only downside is that he hasn't got as much experience in a central forward role, whereas Gakpo has. Despite this, his goal record this season highlights just how clinical he can be and there's no reason why he can't be used up front if required.
football.london understands Gabriel Martinelli has operated as a striker in training throughout this season and although he is naturally a winger, his instinct in front of goal has more often than not seen him beat the keeper with some lovely finishes. The Brazilian's threat across the frontline could enable Mikel Arteta to convert him to a centre forward before signing a new top-class striker and also bringing in someone like Sinisterra to ensure the goals keep coming from out wide.
With European football currently looking likely to return to the Emirates in some form as well as the fact five substitutions will be permitted from next season, increased squad depth will no doubt be a major part of the club's plans this summer. Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah are set to leave once their contracts expire in June, while Nicolas Pepe could also look to move on due to a lack of game time.
I'm sure there are even more names that are being considered behind the scenes at Arsenal, but if I had to choose between Sinisterra and Gakpo, I would probably opt for the latter. Not only does he already captain his PSV side on a regular basis, but his added experience in a central forward role probably makes him a slightly more reliable option. Additionally, you get the sense that his ceiling is very high and the potential is there for him to become one of the biggest talents in the game.
