Arsenal have £65m transfer chance to solve Mikel Arteta problem vs Porto

Arsenal will get a good look at reported Manchester United target Evanilson on Wednesday evening, sparking the possibility of a £65m transfer tug-of-war.

The Porto striker, who has previously been linked with the Red Devils and Tottenham, could be back in the spotlight when his team takes on Mikel Arteta's Gunners in the Champions League round of 16 first leg at the Estadio do Dragao. Arsenal's search for an experienced striker was put on hold in January, despite interest in Brentford's Ivan Toney.

However, none of the 11 goals scored in their recent victories over Burnley and West Ham were by a traditional number nine. Bukayo Saka is currently Arsenal's top scorer in all competitions with 15 goals, as well as leading in assists with 13.

Leandro Trossard's new role has been successful, scoring in the Gunners' last three games, but the need for a natural finisher remains. The mid-season slump and underwhelming performances of £45 million signing Gabriel Jesus from Manchester City have raised questions.

This could make his fellow Brazilian Evanilson an attractive prospect for Arsenal during their Champions League trip to Portugal. Evanilson moved to Porto from Brazilian team Tombense in 2020 for just £7.5m and had a slow start, scoring 10 goals in his first full season in Portugal.

A more impressive 21 goals in 26 games the following season captured United's attention. The Brazilian player hinted at a move to the Premier League in 2022, saying: «I like English football. I really like English football. I'm at a good level in my career, but I'm not at a top level. I have a lot to evolve. But that's what I work for. If any big team comes… I will try to do my best at FC Porto. I will work hard to be prepared to the fullest.»

Ars