Arsenal Look To Make Surprise Giovanni Simeone Move As Alexandre Lacazette Replacement

Arsenal are targeting Argentine forward Giovanni Simeone to replace outbound Alexandre Lacazette, report The Sun.

The need for Arsenal to recruit a clinical forward has been well documented, and it appears Edu, Mikel Arteta and the recruitment team see the Serie A as a treasure trove of attacking talent. Simeone is the latest on an ever growing list of Italian league talent to be linked to a venture to North London. 

Tammy Abraham, Victor Osimhen and Gianluca Scamaca are the other forward targets from the division that have been touted as potential replacements for Arsenal’s departing captain. It's reported Arsenal have already agreed a deal to sign Gabriel Jesus.

Simeone has been in red-hot form for Italian outfit Hellas Verona, netting 17 goals in 36 appearances, and averaging a goal/assist every 116 minutes whilst on loan from parent club Cagliari. 

A distinct lack of goals from centre-forward positions was a concern for Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta last season, and the Spaniard has gone on record as stating that in order to compete with the top teams in the division, the Gunner must be scoring “90 to 100 goals at least” in a Premier League season.

Arsenal scored 61 goals in the league last season, eight fewer than fourth place Spurs and thirty-eight fewer than title winning Manchester City (99). To close the gap between Europa League spots and competing amongst European royalty, a clinical striker is a necessity. 

Whether that man is Diego Simeone’s son remains uncertain, but it’s clear that the hunt for a ruthless centre-forward is well underway at London Colney.