Arsenal is planning a big January move for a ‘complete’ striker who has outperformed Kai Havertz in many ways.
Mikel Arteta is eager to bring a top striker to Arsenal during the January transfer window, and one of his main targets is a player who could be a long-term upgrade from Kai Havertz.
Arsenal have started the 2026/27 Premier League season strong, winning six out of seven matches, sitting second in the table, just three points behind leaders Manchester City. Their latest win was a tight 1-0 victory over Nottingham Forest, thanks to a late goal from Noni Madueke. However, their lack of sharpness nearly cost them for the second game in a row.
Arsenal have won four matches by just one goal so far this season. In the game against Forest, they scored from their only shot on target, showing why they are champions. But Arteta knows this isn’t a winning formula they can rely on all season. January could be the perfect moment to strengthen the attack.
Reports from Gazzetta dello Sport say that Arsenal, along with other Serie A top teams, are interested in Monza striker Gustavo Varela. The 21-year-old Portuguese U21 international has scored six goals in six league games this season. Benfica, his former club, sold him to Monza for just €2.5 million in 2025, but they still have a chance to buy him back for €9.5 million. They also included a 20% sell-on fee that would apply if he moves to another club, maybe even Arsenal.
Varela is seen as a ‘complete striker’ with excellent finishing, strong heading ability, and intense pressing — qualities that Arteta feels are missing from his current centre-forward options. Kai Havertz is the manager’s first choice now, but he’s not the most prolific scorer. Viktor Gyokeres has played little this season and may want to leave in January.
Last transfer window, Arsenal actually lost ground upfront after selling Gabriel Jesus to Barcelona and missing out on some top targets like Lautaro Martinez and Julian Alvarez. Varela, with a contract until 2030, looks like a more realistic and better option compared to Havertz.
According to FotMob, Varela scores more goals per 90 minutes (1.06 vs. 0.32), completes more dribbles (1.06 vs. 0.16), and takes more shots (2.48 vs. 2.22) than Havertz. He’s also one of Europe’s most clinical finishers, turning six of his 10 shots into goals, while Havertz has only scored three from 13 shots this season.
Yes, Varela plays in a less competitive league, but his stats show he could fit well into Arteta’s system and be a better striker option. He also has great potential to become a top forward, which makes him an exciting prospect for Arsenal as January approaches.