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Arsenal attempted to sign Marcos Leonardo this summer

By on September 4, 2024

Mikel Arteta Arsenal

Arsenal reportedly ‘held talks’ over a deal to sign Marcos Leonardo this summer, as per the transfer journalist Graeme Bailey.

The Gunners were seemingly keen on signing a new striker in the recently concluded transfer window as they were linked with a plethora of options throughout the summer.

However, Mikel Arteta’s side eventually decided not to make a swoop for any new centre-forward and instead opted to sign Raheem Sterling from Chelsea very late on deadline day.

Now, reporting on TBR Football, Bailey has stated that Arsenal were interested in signing Leonardo from Benfica and even made contact over a deal to secure the Brazilian’s signature this summer.

However, they weren’t willing to match the £33m price tag that Al-Hilal offered for him so Arteta’s side eventually opted to stop their pursuit and the Saudi Arabian club won the race.

Arsenal wanted to sign Leonardo

The Gunners hold a long-term interest in the 21-year-old as Edu Gasper was keen on signing him in January but the Portuguese giants eventually swooped in and got the deal done.

So, after deciding not to sign any striker to replace Eddie Nketiah – who joined Crystal Palace this summer, Arsenal has been left with a very thin number nine department.

Kai Havertz has enjoyed a strong start to this season but after him, Gabriel Jesus is the only recognised centre-forward Arsenal currently have. But, he has struggled with injury problems in recent years so it was a risk not signing a replacement for Nketiah before the deadline.

Meanwhile, having started the campaign with back-to-back victories against Wolverhampton Wanderers and Aston Villa in the Premier League, the North London club only managed to come away with one point versus Brighton and Hove Albion last weekend.

The game was ridden with controversy as Declan Rice was shown a red card and many thought the decision wasn’t justifiable. Now, Rice will also remain suspended when Arsenal face off against arch-rivals Tottenham Hotspur after the international break.

Manchester City have won all three of the games so far so the Emirates club have already found themselves trailing in this title race.