Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta ‘dreams’ of signing 27-year-old France international; ready to include Gabriel Jesus as part of swap deal: Reports
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is reportedly keen to sign Inter Milan striker Marcus Thuram. The Gunners would also be willing to offer Gabriel Jesus to facilitate a swap deal.
The north London side were linked with a number of strikers this summer. However, Benjamin Sesko decided to extend his stay at RB Leipzig and Alexander Isak was always unlikely. Hence, they ended up signing Raheem Sterling on a season-long loan from Chelsea.
Arsenal will look to strengthen their attack in future windows as they hope to close down the gap against Manchester City. As per Daily Express, manager Mikel Arteta 'dreams' of bringing Marcus Thuram to the Emirates. The French striker, who has four goals and two assists in three games this season, has impressed the Spanish boss.
Thuram joined Inter Milan as a free agent in 2023 after leaving Borussia Monchengladbach. He has scored 19 goals and provided 16 assists in 49 games for the Italian giants. His contract expires in 2028 and as per Transfermarkt, his market value is €65 million.
However, as per the aforementioned report, Arsenal could look to offer Inter Gabriel Jesus for a swap deal. The Brazilian striker has flattered to deceive since arriving from Manchester City in 2022, contributing 19 goals and 15 assists in 70 games for the Gunners.
Paul Merson stresses implication of next 2 fixtures for Arsenal in PL title race
The Gunners have had a decent start to the 2024-25 Premier League campaign with two wins and one draw in three games. They are now set for two huge games in the league, starting with the North London Derby at Tottenham Hotspur on September 15. They will then face Manchester City away seven days later.
Former Gunners midfielder-turned-pundit Paul Merson believes that the north London side need to pick up at least four points from these two games. He said (via Metro):
"Arsenal's Premier League season all comes down to the next two games against Tottenham and Man City. They need four points. It's as simple as that. If they get anything less, then you start to worry because you're playing catch-up against a machine in Man City.
"If they draw against Spurs and lose at Man City a week later, they're probably going to be seven points behind and I think that would be it. I know there are 30-odd games left but I just can't see how they make up the seven points.
"I was very bullish last year saying Arsenal would definitely win the North London Derby but I'm not so sure this season - and it's a game they can't afford to lose in the title race."
Arsenal are currently fourth in the table, two points behind Manchester City in first and Liverpool in second. They are level on points with third-placed Brighton & Hove Albion, who have scored one more goal than them.