Arsenal admire Brentford striker Igor Thiago | OneFootball

Arsenal admire Brentford striker Igor Thiago and are considering a summer move, according to the Daily Mail.

The Gunners clinched the Premier League title for the first time in 22 years last season. They also reached the League Cup and Champions League finals.

The club are already assessing transfer targets. Arsenal have been linked to Julian Alvarez, but his future lies elsewhere, forcing the club to turn to other targets.

Thiago took the Premier League by storm this season, bagging 22 goals. He exploded after an injury-hit first season in England and has attracted interest from several clubs.

He has been praised for his professionalism. Brentford manager Keith Andrews believes he has ‘serious grit about his personality‘.

A move for Thiago would raise questions, given that Arsenal only made a major outlay last summer to sign Viktor Gyokeres.

Gyokeres’ profile is strikingly similar in terms of physicality, direct running and penalty-box presence.

Adding another high-cost, front-foot number nine of the same mould makes no sense, particularly when squad balance across wide and creative areas still requires refinement.

Arsenal may be better served by identifying a more cost-effective forward.

The Gunners need someone with different qualities, or a flexible, impact-style option who can rotate in without disrupting the structure.

Depth is important, but having the same profile in one position is not always progress.

The smarter play could be a cheaper, equally clinical alternative that complements Gyokeres rather than mirrors him.

It will ensure the Gunners have a variety of weapons and firepower throughout a demanding season.