Arsenal are reportedly ready to put a substantial £59 million bid on the table in a bid to sign Inter Milan’s prolific striker, Marcus Thuram.
The 27-year-old French international has been in sensational form this season, netting 14 goals and providing six assists in just 26 appearances across all competitions.
The Gunners’ pursuit of a new striker comes in the wake of a devastating injury blow to Gabriel Jesus.
The Brazilian forward, who had been enjoying a rich vein of form with six goals in his last five matches, suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury during Arsenal’s FA Cup defeat to Manchester United.
As a result, Jesus is set to miss the remainder of the season after undergoing surgery, leaving Mikel Arteta with a significant void to fill in the attacking department.
Arteta, when questioned about potential reinforcements, confirmed Arsenal’s active pursuit in the transfer market.
“We are always looking to improve the squad,” he stated.
“Given the current circumstances, it would be naive not to explore opportunities to strengthen the team.”
Marcus Thuram has emerged as Arsenal’s primary target, with reports from TV Play, via Sports Witness, claiming that Arteta considers the Frenchman his “big dream” signing.
However, prying Thuram away from Inter Milan in January could prove challenging, as the Serie A giants are reluctant to sell mid-season.
Thuram, who arrived at Inter in the summer of 2023 from Borussia Monchengladbach, has quickly established himself as one of Europe’s most dangerous forwards.
Former Gladbach teammate Denis Zakaria once described him as “a little crazy” but emphasized his phenomenal impact on the pitch.
Similarly, Wolfsburg’s sporting director Marcel Schafer hailed him as a “world-class striker,” while ex-coach Daniel Farke labeled him “an exceptional player of the highest international class.”
With his strength, speed, and clinical finishing ability, Thuram appears to be the perfect fit for Arsenal, who have struggled to find a consistent goal-scoring threat.
Kai Havertz, deployed in the forward role on several occasions, has yet to deliver the consistent output Arteta desires.
As Arsenal continue to push for domestic and European success, securing a forward of Thuram’s caliber could be the key to unlocking their full potential.
Whether the Gunners can persuade Inter to part with their prized asset in January or will have to wait until the summer remains to be seen.
One thing is certain – Arsenal’s ambition to bolster their squad is clear, and Thuram could be the missing piece in their title-chasing puzzle.