Arsenal have now joined the race to sign Marseille striker Robinio Vaz, who they could be a perfect fit for their attack, but there is set to be competition from a Premier League rival.
Despite bringing in Viktor Gyokeres in the summer transfer window, the Gunners have still been left a little light on options at centre-forward this season, with the Sweden international missing the last two Premier League games, alongside long-term absentee Kai Havertz.
However, Mikel Arteta’s side didn’t look like they were missing their star strikers one jot on Sunday afternoon, making a real statement with a 4-1 victory against bitter rivals Tottenham Hotspur in the North London derby, with Eberechi Eze bagging a hat-trick.
Despite not scoring, Mikel Merino managed to impress in the absence of Gyokeres and Havertz, setting up Leandro Trossard’s opening goal, which suggests the north Londoners now have a deep enough squad to cope with any injury setbacks.
However, that hasn’t stopped Arteta & co identifying a new striker as a target…
Arsenal join race to sign Marseille striker Robinio Vaz
According to a report from Caught Offside, Arsenal have now joined the race to sign Marseille striker Vaz, with scouts of the belief he would be a perfect fit in their forward line, but there could be competition for the 18-year-old’s signature.
Chelsea have now taken the lead in the race for the striker, having already made contact with his representatives, while the Gunners are being more patient, given that the youngster is regarded as a long-term addition to the squad, rather than someone capable of making an instant impact.
The Ligue 1 side are reluctant to cash-in, but a deal could be relatively affordable for the two London giants if they choose to step up their interest, given that the Frenchman’s asking price is around the €20m – €30m (£18m – £26m) mark.
The teenager, who has made two Champions League appearances this season, has been described as “pure quality” by scout Jacek Kulig, and there have been signs he could be a difference-maker in Marseille’s push to win the Ligue 1 title.
The centre-forward has managed to impress when coming off the bench this season, and he already has four goals to his name in the league, while also registering two assists.
That said, while Vaz may have the potential to become a top-level striker, it would not be the end of the world if Arsenal miss out, considering Arteta already has Gyokeres and Havertz at his disposal, while Gabriel Jesus has now returned to first-team training.
Viktor Gyokeres has been named as one of the best strikers in the world The Best 15 Strikers in World Football Ranked (2025)
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ByCharlie Smith