Arsenal and Chelsea set to face competition from European giants for striker - Reports
Arsenal and Chelsea reportedly face competition from Borussia Dortmund for VfB Stuttgart striker Serhou Guirassy. The 28-year-old joined Stuttgart from Stade Rennais last summer.
Guirassy bagged 30 goals and three assists in 30 games across competitions last season. Most of those goal contributions - 28 goals and two assists in 28 games - came in the Bundesliga, with his team finishing second, 17 points behind unbeaten winners Bayer Leverkusen.
Despite his contract expiring in 2026, Guirassy has been the subject of interest of multiple clubs. As per Sky Sports' Florian Plettenberg, the 28-year-old is being pursued by the Gunners, Blues and AC Milan, but Dortmund seem to be the fronturnners for his services. He tweeted:
"News Serhou Guirassy. A decision is to be made within the next few days. Borussia Dortmund are still very optimistic to sign the 28 y/o striker from VfB. However, there is no complete agreement yet. Bayern is currently out. Arsenal, Chelsea, and AC Milan are still involved."
Both the Gunners and the Blues are in need of attacking reinforcements after the underwhelming returns of their current offensive crops. While Mikel Arteta's side eventually qualified for the UEFA Champions League, the Blues weren't so lucky.
How Arsenal and Chelsea fared in the 2023-24 season
Arsenal and Chelsea endured contrasting campaigns last season. Arteta's side provided a stern competition to eventual Premier League champions Manchester City before falling short by two points on the final day.
However, Mauricio Pochettino's Blues largely struggled for form and consistency with a new-look expensively assembled roster. They finished the campaign on a flourish, though, with five straight wins propelling them to a creditable sixth-placed finish.
While the Gunners fell early in both domestic cups, the Blues reached at least the semifinals in both. They lost 1-0 to Liverpool in the EFL Cup final in extra time before losing by the same scoreline to FA Cup holders Manchester City in the semifinals.
In Europe, though, Arteta's side impressed, reaching their first UEFA Champions League quarterfinal in 14 years before losing 3-2 on aggregate to Bayern Munich.