Arsenal now really keen on "the new Lautaro" and they're on good terms with his club

Arsenal are now closely monitoring an "excellent" striker who's been dubbed "the new Lautaro", and they may hold a key advantage in the race for his signature, according to a report.

Gunners stepping up striker pursuit

In the wake of yesterday's 1-1 draw at Manchester United, Mikel Arteta insisted he doesn't regret the decision not to sign a striker during the January transfer window, stating it is not the reason his side are now 15 points behind Liverpool in the Premier League title race.

However, at this point, it seems likely the Gunners will make a move for a new striker in the summer, having been linked with a number of big names, and there has recently been an update on their pursuit of Victor Osimhen.

A £62m fee has reportedly been agreed to sign Osimhen from Napoli this summer, with Kai Havertz set to be moved to a deeper role to make way for the Nigerian, but he is not the only target they have in mind.

Arsenal schedule meeting with £63m striker's agents for transfer talks

The north Londoners are said to be leading Tottenham Hotspur in the race for RB Leipzig's Benjamin Sesko, and another more left-field option is also now emerging as a target.

According to a report from Football Transfers, Arsenal are now closely monitoring Bologna striker Santiago Castro, having been impressed by his consistent form in Italy.

Bologna's Santiago Castro celebrates after the match

Premier League rivals Newcastle United, Aston Villa and West Ham United are also interested, but the Gunners could hold a key advantage in the race for Castro's signature, given that they have a strong relationship with Bologna due to previous transfer dealings.

The 20-year-old could be available for a relatively low fee this summer, with the Italian club likely to hold out for €25m - €30m (£21m - £25m).

"Excellent" Castro draws Martinez comparisons

The Bologna forward has received high praise from Jacek Kulig this season, with the football talent scout lauding him as "excellent", while also claiming he is known as "the new Lautaro" in Italy, due to similarities in his tenacious play-style.

The youngster certainly shares Inter's talisman's ability to score goals and set up his teammates too, having picked up nine goals and eight assists in all competitions this season, establishing himself as a key player for Bologna.

As such, there are clear signs the Buenos-Aires-born ace could be a fantastic long-term signing for Arsenal, but it is still imperative they bring in a top striker alongside the starlet this summer.

Given Castro's lack of experience at the top level, it would be a gamble for the Gunners to bring him in as their first-choice striker, so Osimhen, who's scored a total of nine Champions League goals, should remain one of their main targets.