£42m Chelsea target now privately imagining a transfer to Arsenal instead

Arsenal are believed to be emerging as favourites to sign a highly-rated forward who is among Chelsea’s top transfer targets this summer, with Andrea Berta threatening to scupper the club’s London rivals.

Arsenal targeting new attackers for Mikel Arteta this summer

According to recent reports, the Gunners are contemplating fresh additions in both wide areas and further up front.

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Talks held: Berta could now sign once-£137m forward for Arsenal after twist

The odds of his potential arrival have just increased.

Mikel Arteta’s side are apparently debating the prospect of signing an alternative to Bukayo Saka on the right wing, while uncertainty surrounding the long-term futures of Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard could also prompt the club to move for a left-winger (GiveMeSport).

There is also the very real prospect of a new number nine arriving at the Emirates, with injuries to Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz exposing Arteta’s lack of prolific, natural options in the centre-forward area (GiveMeSport).

Many intriguing names have been linked with moves to N5 over the last few weeks, and especially since Berta’s appointment as sporting director was confirmed in late March.

According to German newspaper Ruhr Nachrichten, as relayed by Get Football News Germany, Borussia Dortmund starlet Jamie Gittens is becoming a key target for Arteta and Berta.

The Englishman, formerly of Man City’s academy, is making a real name for himself in the Bundesliga as a standout attacking talent, having racked up 12 goals and five assists in 46 total appearances this campaign.

Jamie Gittens imagining move to Arsenal over Chelsea

Chelsea are widely believed to be attempting a move for Gittens ahead of the summer, but Arsenal have now burst into the race for Dortmund’s forward sensation.

As per Ruhr Nachrichten, via GFNG, Gittens “can very well imagine” a move to Arsenal, and the north Londoners have an edge in the race for his services. Dortmund could also find a minimum offer of around £42 million pretty tempting, with Arsenal now thought to be in pole position to secure a move.

Arteta’s side have apparently pushed harder than Chelsea so far, and there appears to be a race taking shape between the two sides for Gittens, who appears likely to leave Dortmund when the window reopens.

The 20-year-old’s exploits have earned him a growing reputation abroad as one of Europe’s most exciting young final third players, with ex-Dortmund boss Nuri Şahin branding Gittens an “incredible” one-v-one specialist.

“He’s a very important player for us,” said Sahin.

“Jamie himself wants to take the next step, and we want him to take that step. Now he’s scoring goals and playing more mature football. It’s not news to me that he’s incredible one-on-one and is a very good finisher.”

Meanwhile, Dortmund managing director Lars Ricken has heaped praise on the youngster’s impressive output.

“Jamie is doing an outstanding job,” said Ricken.

“He was a standout, including in the way he helped Ramy (Bensebaini, Dortmund’s left-back) in defence. He has developed into a real difference maker with his goals and assists.”