Andrea Berta and Arsenal are now actively tracking a Serie A striker, as they continue to plot a summer hijack to reinforce their frontline.
Arsenal actively tracking Serie A star
They may be the Premier League champions-elect, but Arsenal still have plenty of room for improvement. Their open play struggles were on show against Bayer Leverkusen in midweek and it’s becoming clear that, if they want to turn a good season into years of dominance, they must solve that problem.
The Gunners “really want” to sign a new centre-forward.
To do that, those in North London could turn towards the transfer window this summer. Berta already impressed in his first year as Arsenal sporting director last year, welcoming the likes of Martin Zubimendi and Viktor Gyokeres, but must now make it two successful summers on the bounce.
The rumours are already coming thick and fast on that front, too. Names like Julian Alvarez continue to pop up on Arsenal’s radar and his midweek goals against Tottenham Hotspur in Atletico Madrid’s thrashing certainly did him no harm.
The former Manchester City forward would be an excellent signing. He knows exactly what it takes to win a league title in England and is proving to be at the peak of his powers at 26 years old.
The Argentine international isn’t the only name on Arsenal’s radar, however. Alongside the Atletico Madrid star, the Gunners have also reportedly set their sights on Castello Lukeba, who could become the latest centre-back to arrive in North London.
Recent rumours suggest that it could be another complete window from the Gunners, especially if they also welcome Santiago Castro.
According to reports in Brazil, Berta is actively tracking Castro with Arsenal plotting a deal to hijack Flamengo’s move for the Bologna forward this summer.
The Brazilian club are one of a number of sides interested in the forward, as they look to pick up where they left off after signing Lucas Paqueta in January.
10-goal Castro could be Alvarez alternative
As talented as Alvarez may be, he won’t come cheap and Arsenal won’t be alone in the race for his signature. It’s, therefore, an intelligent move to have a backup plan in mind and that’s where Castro comes into play.
The 21-year-old has enjoyed an impressive campaign in Italy, scoring 10 goals in all competitions, and very much looks like a striker destined to get even better with experience.
Dubbed “superb” by talent scout Jacek Kulig last month, the Argentine forward is one to watch when the summer transfer window swings open.
The fact that Castro is yet to reach the peak of his powers, compared to Alvarez who is in that very moment, may yet convince Berta to invest in Arsenal’s future rather than the present this summer.