Arsenal have a lot of tasks to achieve before the transfer window reopens in January. The Gunners recently drew their EFL Cup match with Fleetwood 1-1.
However, this doesn’t affect their position in the Premier League much. Arsenal are placed second in the League table for the 2026-27 season with 21 points. They’re behind Manchester City only on a goal difference basis.
Now, team manager Mikel Arteta is looking for a suitable forward who can be of great help to the main striker, Kai Havertz. That is why the Gunners have joined the race to secure Gustavo Varela ahead of the January transfer window.
As per Gazetta Dello Sport, Andrea Berta [who serves as Arsenal’s sporting director] is in contact with the 21-year-old Portuguese forward’s representatives. Varela currently plays for the club Monza. Apart from the Gunners, Napoli is also interested in the young forward and wants him by their side by January next year.
🚨BREAKING! 💣 Arsenal are interested in signing AC Monza’s 21yr old CF Gustavo Varela in January. 🇵🇹🌟 Andrea Berta is in contact with his representatives. https://t.co/kj8YVfyWM4
— AFC Xtra (@AFC__Xtra) October 24, 2026
Varela has become the talk of the town due to his capability as a “goal machine” for the Monza club. He was signed from Benfica in July 2026 for a modest sum of €2.5 million. He scored 7 goals in his first 8 league matches of the 2026-27 season. Although Varela has a contract with Monza until the summer of 2030, his sudden rise as a center-forward has made several European clubs take notice. It wouldn’t be a surprise if Monza increased his asking price to €20 million if deemed necessary.
Monza is not completely unaware of the growing interest in Varela. When asked about the club’s concerns over Varela’s potential transfer, team coach Ivan Juric revealed that January is far away right now, and that he has full faith in the young player. He further added that Varela is working hard and always wants to improve. He wants Varela to improve his skills further.
Competing with Napoli for Gustavo Varela is not the only problem the Gunners have in hand. As per reports, the Portuguese forward has a clause with his former club, Benfica, that could jeopardize Arsenal’s chances of securing Varela for the 2026-27 season. Benfica are entitled to 20% of the profits from his next transfer. Apart from that, the Portuguese can refuse any potential offer they deem unsuitable. As such, securing Varela won’t be a cakewalk for the Gunners this season.
However, there is a small ray of hope for Arsenal. Reports suggest that Benfica management is not too keen on retaining the centre-forward. As per OneFootball, they will be monitoring his performance throughout the current season before taking a final call in January. They are not completely closing the doors for the Portuguese forward, but are waiting for a suitable opportunity.
The Gunners need to come up with a brilliant offer if they seriously want the centre-forward at the Emirates Stadium by January.
