Arsenal ahead of Liverpool in race to sign £71m striker who Wenger loves

Arsenal have now moved ahead of Liverpool in the race to sign an “unbelievable” striker who Arsene Wenger rates very highly, according to a report.

Mikel Merino bags winning goal in Chelsea triumph

The Gunners proved they have what it takes to grind out results without an out-and-out striker yesterday afternoon, with Mikel Merino scoring the only goal of the game in the 1-0 victory over Chelsea in the Premier League.

However, it is clear that Mikel Arteta is keen to bring in a top striker in the summer transfer window, and the Spaniard is said to be personally driving a move for Liverpool’s Darwin Nunez, amid the Uruguayan’s uncertain future at Anfield.

Alexander Isak also remains on the north Londoners’ list of targets, alongside Benjamin Sesko, with the RB Leipzig striker being touted as a potential replacement for Kai Havertz, who has received heavy criticism at times this season.

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The Gunners have set their sights on a new player, who is very similar to one of Mikel Arteta’s most important players.

Earlier this month, it was revealed Arsenal are also battling Liverpool for the signature of Inter Milan striker Marcus Thuram, and there has now been a positive update on their pursuit of the striker.

According to a report from Football Insider, the Gunners have now moved ahead of their Premier League rivals in the race for Thuram, alongside Chelsea, who have also seemingly stepped up their interest.

The striker has a £71m release clause included in his contract with the Italian club, with Inter currently trying to negotiate a new deal to extend his stay at the San Siro, and deter any interested clubs from launching a move.

The Frenchman is viewed as a key player by Inter, given the contribution he has made this season, with the Serie A side in a strong position to win the league title.

“Unbelievable” Thuram leading Inter’s title charge

The Italy-born striker has been one of the first names on the teamsheet for Inter this season, picking up 16 goals and four assists in all competitions, including one goal in each leg of his side’s round of 16 Champions League clash against Feyenoord.

The 27-year-old was lauded as “unbelievable” by Statman Dave earlier in the campaign, while he also impressed Wenger during his time in Germany, with the former Arsenal boss singling his compatriot out for high praise.

“Technically, he (Henry) could do everything, however there is one player in the Bundesliga who reminds me of him — Marcus Thuram at Borussia Moenchengladbach.”

The only potential concern over the signing of Thuram will be the fact he has struggled in front of goal since the turn of the year, failing to score in 11 of his last 12 Serie A outings, but he is still on course to record his most prolific campaign of his career to date.