Arsenal 'join' Aston Villa in race to sign £33m lethal striker as potential Viktor Gyokeres alternative

Arsenal are reportedly joining Premier League rivals Aston Villa in the race for Bologna striker Santiago Castro, as they aim to sign a forward in January.

20-year-old Castro has impressed in the Serie A this season, scoring four goals and providing three assists for Bologna who currently sit eighth in the league. He has reportedly emerged as a target for Arsenal, who have been linked to several strikers ahead of the January window as they look to strengthen their attack amid their title fight against Liverpool and new outsiders Chelsea.

The Gunners currently sit third in the league - six points behind Arne Slot’s side who also have a game in hand due to the Merseyside derby being postponed last weekend.

According to Caught Offside, Arsenal are eyeing up a potential transfer deal for Castro, who Bologna could sell for a fee of around £33m, making him a cut-price alternative to Arsenal’s other rumoured targets at the striker position.

Mikel Arteta’s side have been linked to Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres heavily this season. However, the Sweden international will come with a hefty price tag as he had an £83m release clause during the summer.

Castro would provide a younger, cheaper alternative to Gyokeres. However, there would be more of a risk that he wouldn’t develop into a top striker. Whereas Gyokeres has already proven himself - the Sporting CP forward has scored 25 goals in 23 games so far this season.

Arsenal face Premier League competition to sign Castro

The Gunners aren’t the only Premier League team said to be keeping tabs on the Bologna striker, with Aston Villa also said to be among his admirers.

Villa already have two top strikers in the form of Ollie Watkins and Jhon Duran, so their apparent interest in Castro could indicate that Duran may be on his way out, amid transfer interest from Chelsea, Arsenal and West Ham.

Furthermore, the report suggests that Newcastle United and Everton are both also keen on Castro, with Serie A sides Juventus and Inter Milan also interested.

£45m Arsenal signing could help fund Castro transfer

The Gunners are reportedly considering the sale of striker Gabriel Jesus who has struggled to find form at the Emirates, especially this season.

Jesus has made 12 appearances for the Gunners this season, but is yet to score. He’s also lost his regular starting spot up front to Kai Havertz.

Recent reports have suggested that Arteta doesn’t consider Jesus to be at the forefront of his plans and so could look to cash-in on him, which could help Arsenal fund a move for the likes of Castro.