Arsenal linked with Monza forward Gustavo Varela after Serie A start

Portugal and Cape Verde forward Gustavo Varela is being linked with a move from Monza to Arsenal.

The 21-year-old centre-forward joined the Serie A club from Benfica B in July for €2.5m and has a contract running until June 2030. He has made a strong start to the 2026-27 season, scoring six goals and providing one assist in six Serie A appearances.

Varela has started 86% of Monza’s league matches and played 81% of the available minutes, establishing himself as a regular part of the team’s attack. He has also scored twice in one appearance in the Italian Cup.

The forward was born in Lisbon and developed in Portugal after beginning his youth career at Sporting before moving to PAOK and later Benfica. He spent the 2025-26 season on loan at Gil Vicente before returning to Benfica B.

His current market value is listed at €5m, although there is no reported fee attached to the Arsenal rumour. Any move would involve a player who only recently arrived at Monza and remains under a long-term contract.

Varela’s form has helped draw attention early in his first season with the Italian club, but the reported link with Arsenal has not developed into a confirmed transfer.