Arsenal’s need for a new striker has been evident for over two years now.
The Gunners have been fighting for the Premier League title over the last three seasons, and it looks like they will finish as the runners-up for the third campaign in a row.
That must be really frustrating for Arsenal fans, who know very well that their side would’ve had their hands on at least one title if they had a prolific striker leading the line.
The priority for this summer is a new number nine, and Arsenal have been linked with several names over the last few months.
Here’s the latest on one of them.
Arsenal will have to explore all of Europe to strengthen their frontline.
Mikel Arteta’s dream target is Alexander Isak, but a move for the Newcastle United star will be extremely expensive in the upcoming summer window.
Benjamin Sesko is far more affordable for Arsenal, but there will be plenty of competition for the Slovenia international’s signature.
The Gunners are looking around for more options, and reports have claimed that Arsenal are interested in Santiago Castro of Bologna.
Now, soccerhuz.com have claimed that the Argentinian attacker has ‘surged up Arsenal’s shortlist of late’ thanks to his fine performances in the Serie A.
It has further been added that ‘Arteta is a huge admirer of Castro and is personally pushing for his signing’ in the upcoming summer transfer window.
Castro only joined Bologna in January last year, and his contract there does not expire until the summer of 2028.
As good a striker as Castro is, Arsenal fans will have their reservations because there is no guarantee that he will become an instant success.
Still only 20, Castro has only been in Europe’s top-five leagues for just over a year now, and it would be a big gamble to make him the Gunners’ main centre-forward next season.
But, as one for the future, Castro would be a very exciting signing, and his nickname in Italy will tell you just how highly he is rated – ‘Il nuovo Lautaro’. That translates to ‘The new Lautaro (Martinez)‘.
Although not as prolific as Martinez just yet, Castro has scored 10 goals and provided eight assists for Bologna this season.
That is an excellent return for someone who is still only 20 years old, and he will definitely get even better in the coming years.
Castro would be a good signing as a backup for Arteta at Arsenal this summer, but whether he would accept that role remains to be seen.
