Arsenal eye Gustavo Varela transfer as 21-year-old striker impresses in Serie A

Arsenal are reportedly monitoring Monza striker Gustavo Varela following the 21-year-old's impressive start to the Serie A season.

The Portuguese forward has scored six goals in six league appearances, as well as two in the Coppa Italia, since joining Monza from Benfica for a reported fee of around €2million in the summer.

According to Gazzetta dello Sport, Arsenal are among the clubs tracking Varela, although Napoli have shown more concrete interest in the striker.

Varela has emerged as one of Serie A's leading early-season goalscorers under Monza manager Ivan Juric.

His six league goals include a brace against Cagliari, a match in which he also provided an assist for Jay Robinson.

The striker's performances represent a significant step forward following his loan spell at Gil Vicente last season, where he scored six league goals in 32 appearances.

Varela joined Monza on a permanent deal in July and signed a contract running until June 2030.

Arsenal's reported interest comes with Viktor Gyokeres already among their central attacking options, although there is no indication that the Gunners have opened negotiations or made a formal approach for Varela.

Napoli are also monitoring Varela, with Gazzetta dello Sport reporting that the Italian champions have already expressed interest.

The club's attacking situation could become relevant ahead of the January transfer window.

Lorenzo Lucca has reportedly struggled since returning from his loan spell at Nottingham Forest, failing to score in nine appearances across Serie A and the Champions League at the time of the Italian report.

Napoli could consequently consider another attacking addition, although Monza are expected to be reluctant to sell Varela midway through the season.

Benfica also retain an interest in the striker's future.

According to Gianluca Di Marzio's website, the Portuguese club have the right to match offers from other teams and are entitled to 20% of any future profit Monza make on the player.

However, Benfica do not have a buy-back clause, meaning Monza retain control over a potential transfer.

Having signed Varela for a reported fee of around €2m, the Italian club could make a substantial profit if interest in the striker develops into formal offers.

Arsenal's reported interest remains at an early stage, with no bid or formal negotiations disclosed.

Varela's six goals in six Serie A appearances have attracted attention, but his experience in Europe's major leagues remains relatively limited.

His contract until 2030 also leaves Monza under no immediate pressure to sell.

For now, Napoli appear to be showing the stronger interest, while Arsenal continue to be linked with the Portuguese forward.

Napoli could consider a move for Varela during the January transfer window, according to Gazzetta dello Sport, although Monza are expected to be reluctant to sell.

Arsenal's interest remains at the monitoring stage, with no indication that negotiations have begun.