Arsenal Just Made Igor Thiago Their Top Target and Man United Might Get Pushed Out

Arsenal won the Premier League last season. They lost the Champions League final on penalties. Now Mikel Arteta is done celebrating and done grieving. He wants another striker, and according to a Brazilian outlet, the guy at the top of his list is Igor Thiago. The same Igor Thiago who finished second in Premier League goals last season. The same guy Manchester United has been chasing for months.

RTI Esporte reports that Arsenal has entered the race and is now threatening to beat United to the Brentford forward. Thiago scored 26 goals last season, trailing only Erling Haaland. He fits exactly what Arteta looks for in a forward. Hard presser. Strong in the box. Finishes with consistency. The report says Arteta has followed Thiago since before he came to England and believes he can unlock another level in Arsenal’s attack.

Brentford reportedly values him at around £77 million. That number could climb. Two of England’s biggest clubs fighting over the same player tends to do that. Arsenal might actually have the edge here. Arteta is personally pushing for this deal. He sees Thiago as the missing piece to take the front line from very good to unstoppable.

The Martinelli and Trossard question

There have been rumors Arsenal could move Gabriel Martinelli or Leandro Trossard this summer. Nothing confirmed. But the chatter is consistent enough to pay attention. Viktor Gyokeres isn’t going anywhere despite some criticism of his performances. Arsenal wants to add goals without subtracting what already works. Thiago gives them that.

United is still lurking though. The report says the club remains attentive. They need help up front too and see Thiago as a versatile option who can play multiple roles in attack. But with Arteta personally driving this and Arsenal’s recent title win making them an attractive destination, the momentum seems to be shifting toward North London.

Thiago is 26 years old. That fits Arsenal’s usual age profile for big signings. Brentford doesn’t want to sell, but every player has a number. If this becomes a bidding war, the winner might be the club that needs him more. Right now Arsenal looks like that club.

The transfer window opens officially next week. Things could move fast.