Arsenal lining up transfer move for Serie A striker ‘who can do more than Erling Haaland’ to join Jesus in attack
ARSENAL are considering a move for a Serie A striker who can “do more than Erling Haaland”.
Manchester City’s Norwegian forward has racked up the goals in phenomenal fashion in his first season in England and has an incredible 42 in all competitions.
But a new contender for his throne could emerge as pundits back Atalanta star Rasmus Højlund to be the next big thing.
The Denmark international has become a regular for his club since the World Cup break and has hit a purple patch of form.
The 20-year-old is reportedly being eyed by Arsenal to help boost their attack even further next season.
Tutto Atalanta report that the Gunners are in the lead for the frontman – and are willing to cough up around £45m to land him.
Any deal would represent an amazing profit for Atalanta, who signed Højlund for just £15m last summer from Austrian side Sturm Graz.
He has seven goals and one assist in Serie A so far in this campaign.
His physical stature and Scandinavian background has seen the star compared to Haaland.
But former Leeds winger and football pundit Mike Grella believes Højlund might have even more potential than City’s main man.
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He said: “I will take the comparison with Haaland very lightly, because he is one of the best.
“There is also a slight difference between them, which speaks in Højlund’s favour.
“He can do more than Haaland. Haaland is more the type who duels with the centre-backs and just scores lots of goals.
“Højlund can dribble past an opponent. He can keep the ball better. Højlund can better help the team on the edge (of the penalty area) or deeper in the pitch.”
Højlund’s former manager at Sturm Graz Christian Ilzer agrees that the pair have similarities.
He said: “In some characteristics, they are similar.
“Both are very fast, they also share determination and the desire to always score. Both Hojlund and Haaland are two very positive youngsters and have great confidence in their abilities.”