Arsenal ‘one of the first to enquire’ about prolific £33m striker

Arsenal are monitoring Monza centre-forward Gustavo Varela (Picture: Reuters)

Arsenal have been closely tracking the progress of Monza star Gustavo Varela are ‘one of the first clubs to enquire’ about a possible transfer deal for the forward, according to reports in Portugal.

Varela was deemed surplus to requirements at Benfica and moved to newly promoted Italian outfit Monza for a fee of just €2million (£1.7m) – plus performance-related bonuses – in the summer.

Monza are languishing down in 18th place in the table, with only two wins to their name, in what has been a difficult start to life on their return to Serie A.