Arsenal could land 31-goal striker for just £21m – he wants Premier League move

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Arsenal’s search for a new striker is well under-way, with Mikel Arteta and the Emirates hierarchy already exploring various options.

Benjamin Sesko is a target for Arsenal, while the Gunners could test Newcastle’s resolve for Alexander Isak in the summer.

Meanwhile, the likes of Dusan Vlahovic and Matheus Cunha remain on the North Londoners’ radar, with Kai Havertz’ serious injury likely exacerbating the need to secure a forward early in the next transfer window.

However, to save money to invest in other areas of the squad, a cheaper alternative to some of these targets could be appealing to Arteta.

• READ MORE: Forget Benjamin Sesko, Mikel Arteta must sign another ‘phenomenal’ Bundesliga star to fix Arsenal’s striker issues

Arsenal could seal Yuri Alberto transfer for £21m

Arsenal are expected sign Martin Zubimendi for £51 million in the summer, while a back-up goalkeeper and a new winger are also on the agenda.

This could mean that the Gunners are forced to settle with a less expensive striker who can provide cover and competition for Havertz, eventually usurping the German.

While money isn’t expected to be an issue for Arsenal, this extensive list of summer needs means it may be a window of several relatively pricey additions rather than a handful of extortionate acquisitions.

This could make the prospect of signing Yuri Alberto, whose agent is currently in Europe trying to attain a move for his client, appetising to the Arsenal hierarchy.

According to Brazilian outlet R7, Alberto was wanted by West Ham, Southampton and Wolves in January, but none of these sides were willing to meet Corinthian’s valuation for the striker.

However, the Serie A outfit are understood to be willing to sanction the prolific number nine’s departure in the summer for a fee in the region of €25 million (£21 million).

Alberto is said to be keen on a move to the Premier League or the Italian Serie A, with Inter Milan also reportedly in the race to land him.

• READ MORE: Who is Yuri Alberto? The Brazilian wonderkid wanted by Arsenal

Arsenal should consider move for Yuri Alberto

Alberto was touted as ‘the next Gabriel Martinelli’ back in 2021, and he could yet fulfil this role at Arsenal.

The now 23-year-old broke through at Santos, before spending time at Internacional and Zenit St. Petersburg, and eventually settling at Conrinthians.

It’s with the Sao Paulo club where he’s finally started to fulfil his potential, scoring 31 goals across all competitions in the 2024 season.

Physical, robust and an expert finisher in front of goal, Alberto has the technical quality to develop into an elite centre-forward if in the right environment and developed under the right coach.

It would be something of a punt for Arsenal, but the Gunners need depth in forward areas, and he represents a risk-adverse and cost-effective solution to the team’s issues, with a high upside.