Arsenal 'send scouts to Portugal' for third star as Newcastle threaten to scupper plans

Mikel Arteta is keen to sign a striker this summer (Image: Getty)

Arsenal reportedly sent scouts to watch Porto star Evanilson feature against Estoril over the weekend. The forward failed to justify the trip being made by the Gunners’ representatives though, with his side losing 1-0 in a drama-filled match.

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Arsenal are expected to splash the cash at the end of the season, with Mikel Arteta making it no secret that he would like to bolster his ranks at both ends of the pitch. Ajax’s Jorrel Hato and Sporting star Ousmane Diomande are among the options being assessed in defence.

Significant funds are expected to be spent on a marquee striker too, with Brentford’s Ivan Toney and Napoli talisman Victor Osimhen among those being linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium at the end of the season.

Arsenal have not settled on their top target though and club chiefs will explore all avenues. As a result, the north London outfit are monitoring the progress being made by the Porto prospect Evanilson.

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Evanilson has been in flying form for Porto this season (Image: Getty)

According to HITC, Arsenal had representatives in attendance at the Estadio Antonio Coimbra da Mota to watch the Brazilian in action for Porto against Estoril. The 24-year-old was unable to leave his mark on the match though, with Cassiano scoring the all-important goal for the home side.

Evanilson has scored 22 goals in 35 appearances in all competitions so far this season, though his display against Estoril did not show him in the best light – with Porto losing their cool early in the match in a hot-headed encounter which saw the referee dish out 12 yellow cards and four reds.

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Newcastle are scouting potential Alexander Isak replacements (Image: Getty) READ MORE Gabriel Jesus sends reminder to Liverpool after Arsenal drop to second

The Gunners will be hoping to lean on their links in Portugal to get a deal over the line for Evanilson if a move is pursued. Arsenal have been scouting the Liga Portugal regularly over the past few seasons, with Sporting duo Diomande and Viktor Gyokeres among their shortlisted targets in the division.

Arsenal aren’t alone in their admiration of the prolific forward as Newcastle were also present at Porto’s last match. With Alexander Isak and Callum Wilson attracting plenty of interest ahead of the summer transfer window, the Magpies are eyeing potential replacements.

Evanilson’s displays are unlikely to have gone unnoticed around Europe as well, with the striker market set to be incredibly busy this summer. Several top clubs are expected to make wholesale changes to their frontline ahead of next season.

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Arsenal 'send scouts to Portugal' for third star as Newcastle threaten to scupper plans

Arsenal 'send scouts to Portugal' for third star as Newcastle threaten to scupper plans

Arsenal 'send scouts to Portugal' for third star as Newcastle threaten to scupper plans

Arsenal 'send scouts to Portugal' for third star as Newcastle threaten to scupper plans

Arsenal 'send scouts to Portugal' for third star as Newcastle threaten to scupper plans