Arsenal could propose to sign Inter Milan striker Marcus Thuram in a player-plus-cash deal involving Gabriel Jesus this summer, according to Inter Live.
The Gunners are keen on landing a new centre-forward during the next transfer window and they have reportedly identified Bologna’s Joshua Zirkzee as their main target.
Inter Live convey the same in their update but add that Mikel Arteta’s side could swoop for Thuram in case a deal does not materialise for the former Bayern man.
The Gunners could be willing to pay €30m with Jesus acting as a makeweight in the transfer.
The Nerazzurri signed Thuram on a free transfer last summer and have the opportunity to make a quick profit out of him to ease their ongoing financial problems.
Jesus would be a suitable player for the Serie A champions. The 27-year-old is reportedly a long-term target for Piero Ausilio, who is Inter’s sporting director.
Arsenal need a regular goalscoring striker
Thuram has done an impressive job since his move to the Nerazzurri last summer. He has registered 14 goals and 13 assists from 43 appearances in all competitions.
Aside from his goal involvements, he has caught the eye with his dribbling and ability to win duels.
His work rate and physical presence up front are also his strengths, but Arsenal need someone who can guarantee them with regular goals over the course of a season.
We are not convinced that Zirkzee would suit the Gunners. Thuram falls into the same category. He will be 27 by August and has yet to score 15 league goals in a single campaign.
The Frenchman has been successful playing in a front two at Inter. This is something which Arsenal have never done under Arteta and may not do so in the near future.
Hence, we don’t see the Gunners looking into a part-exchange deal for Thuram.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com
