Arsenal ‘willing’ to offer Charlie Patino plus cash for Serie A striker; Everton also in the race

Mikel Arteta is eager to add a striker to the team in January, and rumors have it that Arsenal is considering a deal for Boulaye Dia, a standout for Salernitana.

The 27-year-old talisman has already been linked to Everton, and three Serie A teams are keen in signing him this winter.

With just one point separating them from leaders Liverpool in the Premier League standings, Arsenal has had an incredible start to the season.

However, there have been concerns expressed about whether Eddie Nketiah and Gabriel Jesus, the Gunners’ current striker options, are productive enough to compete for a championship. This season, the two have each scored two and five goals in the league.

With that in mind, it’s no surprise to see Arteta keen to sign a new centre-forward and several high-profile stars have been linked with a move to the Emirates.

Brentford’s Ivan Toney is one name that keeps coming up again and again. The England star is keen to join a top club in January and Arsenal, along with Chelsea are interested.

It now seems, however, that the Gunners are eyeing a shock move for Dia as an alternative.

Arsenal to offer Charlie Patino in part-exchange deal for Dia

According to SportDelSud, five ‘top clubs’ have ‘made contact’ with Dia’s representatives ahead of a potential move in January.

Arsenal are one of them, along with Everton, Fiorentina, AC Milan and Roma.

Dia has a €21m (approx. £18m) release clause in his Salernitana contract, which is described as ‘affordable’ for the mentioned teams

However, it’s claimed that Arsenal are ‘willing’ to offer Charlie Patino – who is currently on loan with Swansea City – plus £13m to get a deal done for him.

Dia has scored four goals in 11 Serie A appearances so far this season – which isn’t a bad return considering Salernitana are currently bottom of the league table.

The Senegalese international understands how to use the net because he scored 16 goals in 33 league games the previous season.

Dia is apparently eager to join a Premier League team because Arteta believes he would thrive in a stronger squad.

Although a Patino trade would undoubtedly cause some controversy, if he isn’t part of Arsenal’s long-term ambitions, this would be a mutually beneficial arrangement.

Patino’s transfer to Serie A appears to be imminent for the gifted 20-year-old, as Juventus is also interested in signing him.

Read more on sportupdates.co.uk