Arsenal have been joined by Italian giants Inter Milan in the race to sign World Cup star Marcus Thuram in the upcoming January transfer window The Gunners look set to spend big in the market as reports claim that manager Mikel Arteta has the blessing of the owners to make a push for signings.
That's because the side have made an unexpectedly quick rise to the top of the Premier League, sitting several points clear of rivals Manchester City in second. However, a huge blow over the World Cup break came for the side as star striker Gabriel Jesus returned early with a knee injury.
The Brazilian is now set for months on the sidelines after the issue required surgery and will now follow with rehab before being match fit again. "Obviously he’s gone through surgery so that tells you the extent of the injury and we’ll be in the market, always active and we will assess the biggest opportunities that we have," Arteta said when asked about the situation surrounding the forward and a potential replacement.
READ MORE: Man Utd 'block' Arsenal transfer for Mykhaylo Mudryk after £55m Shakhtar Donetsk bid rejected
Plenty of options have been touted as replacing the 25-year-old in the short-term, including a loan move for Atletico Madrid ace Joao Felix. Among those also named is Thuram, a versatile forward that could be available as a bargain signing with his contract expiring at Borussia Monchengladbach next summer.
The 25-year-old was also something of a World Cup star for finalists France in Qatar, often being used from the bench to change games in their favour. While it wasn't to be for Les Bleus for a historic double championship feat, for Thuram, it was certainly one to remember.
It's not only put him on Arsenal's radar though as Gazzetta dello Sport reports that the forward is being eyed by Inter Milan for a potential move. It could hand the Gunners a huge blow in trying to land him as the ideal replacement for Jesus going into the January window.
READ NEXT:
Oleksandr Zinchenko and Arsenal stars can return against Brighton as William Saliba risk remains
Mykhaylo Mudryk latest, Tielemans delay, Felix doubt: Arsenal January transfer state of play
Arsenal injury news and return dates before Brighton: Jesus, Smith Rowe, Tomiyasu, Zinchenko
Mikel Arteta close to dream Arsenal scenario as Mykhaylo Mudryk transfer takes next step
Arsenal news and transfers LIVE: The latest news, rumours and gossip from the Emirates Stadium
