Arsenal are eyeing up a deal for AC Milan flop Andre Silva in the January transfer window, according to Le 10 Sport.
The French outlet claim that new Milan manager Gennaro Gattuso is not a fan of the striker, and is open to him departing the club just half-way through his first season at the San Siro.
In his first press conference as boss, Gattuso is quoted by Le 10 Sport as saying: “He is a player with great qualities, who is also very young. I think he has a good rating in the transfer market. He is a good striker, and if you put him on the transfer list, you’ll quickly find a buyer. He can be sold easily.”
Silva was a £33million signing from FC Porto in the summer, one of 11 new recruits for Milan, but he has only shone for the Rossoneri in the Europa League thus far, scoring six goals in the competition.
Silva is yet to score a Serie A goal for Milan, and has played a bit-part role so far as Vincenzo Montella saw the sack for their poor start to the season.
Good move for Arsenal?
While Silva is yet to score in the league for Milan, his overall record of eight goals in 17 games is not too bad when all is considered.
It must be remembered that Silva is only 22 years old, and is still developing as a player, representing an exciting prospect for any potential buyers.
His pace and strength would be suited well to the English game, and if he was able to get enough game time, may cause some issues for defences in the Premier League.
Any striker arriving at the club, especially one so young, would seemingly spell the end for Olivier Giroud at the Gunners, with the Frenchman struggling for starts again this year.
This is Futbol rating: 6/10
Likely to happen?
If Gattuso’s comments are anything to go on, then it looks likely that Silva will depart Milan in January.
Barcelona are also said to be interested in the young Portuguese, and there will surely be other clubs interested in his signature.
Silva would also represent quite a large investment, as Milan will want to recuperate most of the £33million they paid for him in the summer.
It would seem unlikely that Wenger would spend that amount of money on a relatively unproven striker when he has someone like Giroud on the bench who knows the Premier League well.
This is Futbol rating: 3/10