Arsenal could end seven-year pursuit of Premier League star Arsene Wenger and Mikel Arteta both wanted

Arsenal could end their seven-year pursuit of a Premier League star during the upcoming transfer window, according to a new report.

The Gunners completed some big business during the summer, signing Declan Rice, Kai Havertz and Jurrien Timber for a combined total fee of over £200 million.

One area they didn't strengthen, though, was in the attacking third, with Havertz played in midfield during his Gunners stay so far.

They were linked with signing a striker, but ultimately opted against bringing anybody in for that position.

Arsenal currently have Eddie Nketiah and Gabriel Jesus as options up front, with Bukayo Saka, Reiss Nelson, Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard all capable of playing out wide and centrally.

It is claimed, however, that manager Mikel Arteta wants more competition in the forward roles.

Arsenal 'targeting Premier League star in January'

According to Daily Mirror writer Ryan Taylor, the Gunners have identified Wolves star Pedro Neto as a possible transfer target for January.

A right-sided attacker who can also play on the left, Neto was scouted by Arsene Wenger back in 2017 when he was Arsenal boss.

It is claimed he has made a 'great impression' on Arteta and Edu since the pair arrived at the Emirates Stadium in 2019.

The Gunners are said to be monitoring him ahead of a January move - although his growing importance at Wolves could make a deal challenging to complete.

The 23-year-old suffered a cruciate knee ligament injury in 2021 which derailed his progress, and he missed 10 months of action.

But he is now beginning to return to the form that saw him earmarked as one of the Premier League's best wingers, as evidenced during Saturday's 2-1 win over Manchester City at Molineux.

Unbelievable, @pedrolneto7 💫 pic.twitter.com/MkAn0vRtNT

— Wolves (@Wolves) September 30, 2023

The Portugal international received the ball inside his own half before charging down the flank and beating several defenders, before his cross was inadvertently headed in by defender Ruben Dias for an own goal.

The winger, who is represented by super agent Jorge Mendes, has also been linked with a potential move to Manchester United.

The report claims that Arsenal had Neto on their shortlist in the summer of 2022, but were put off due to Wolves' high asking price.

With his contract in the Midlands expiring in 2027, there is an extra layer of complexity involved in any potential deal - but it would be a significant statement of intent by Arsenal and Arteta if they can find a way to get it done.