Arsenal identify Raphinha alternative as Arteta’s staff raise transfer doubts

Arsenal are pursuing numerous forwards as they aim to strengthen an attack which has been left depleted following Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette’s exits

Attack, attack, attack is the message – at least when it comes to the latest transfer rumours surrounding Arsenal.

Mikel Arteta’s side are in dire need of a new face to lead the line next season, even though Eddie Nketiah is set to sign a new long-term deal to keep him at the club. While Gabriel Jesus is the priority target at centre-forward, recent speculation has claimed the Gunners are also targeting Leeds winger Raphinha.

Sassuolo striker Gianluca Scamacca is another name linked with the North London club but many members of Arteta’s coaching staff are said to hold reservations over pursuing him. More on that and more – including a potential alternative to Raphinha – in Saturday’s Arsenal transfer round-up.

Scamacca doubts emerge

Arsenal coaches are not convinced Scamacca is the right fit for the club, even though he scored 16 Serie A goals for Sassuolo last season. That is according to The Athletic, which claims members of Arteta’s staff have highlighted that the 23-year-old has a very different style of play to Jesus.

Scamacca is a towering centre-forward who stands at 6’5″, whereas Jesus is 5’9″ and, understandably, has very different attributes. These reservations may be enough to thwart Arsenal’s pursuit of the Italy international and refocus their efforts on signing Jesus from Manchester City.

Gunners monitoring Trossard

While Arsenal are credited with serious interest in Raphinha, Brighton ace Leandro Trossard is also on their radar, according to a report in his native Belgium. The 27-year-old scored eight goals in the Premier League last season while also chipping in with three assists.

Crucially, he could be available for a bargain price this summer as he is about to enter the final 12 months of his contract at the Amex. Voetbal Belgie claims Arsenal are keeping tabs on the situation, so it appears as though Raphinha is not the only winger they are after.

Would Leandro Trossard be a good fit for Arsenal? Have your say in the comments!

Arsenal handed Neves and Tielemans initiative

Arsenal may have a free run at Wolves ‘ Ruben Neves or Leicester’s Youri Tielemans as Manchester United – their main rivals for the duo – have launched an opening offer for Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong. The Gunners and the Red Devils are targeting midfield recruits and the latter pushing ahead with their pursuit of De Jong removes Arteta’s main competition to sign either Neves or Tielemans.

United’s opening offer is understood to have been £60million and was rejected by Barca. They are preparing to return with an improved bid for De Jong, which can only be good news for Arsenal.