Arsenal push £77m for Brentford striker Igor Thiago

Arsenal are closing in on a £77 million move for Brentford striker Igor Thiago as Mikel Arteta races to solve his centre-forward conundrum. The Gunners have long chased a proven Premier League striker, and Thiago has now leapfrogged other targets in their crosshairs. Sources indicate the bid is structured as an initial £65 million with £12 million in add-ons, reflecting Arsenal’s urgency to add a clinical edge before the window slams shut.

Brentford, meanwhile, are set to pocket a club-record fee that would immediately reshape their summer planning and potentially fund further recruitment. The potential arrival lands just weeks after Arsenal’s failed attempts to land other high-profile forwards, including a rejected move for a European Golden Boot winner. Arteta’s front office has prioritised physicality, Premier League pedigree, and Champions League experience—three boxes Thiago ticks after two seasons at Brentford where he has netted 28 goals in 65 top-flight games.

Arsenal’s current strikeforce, led by Eddie Nketiah and Gabriel Jesus, has underperformed relative to their wages, leaving a clear gap in the pecking order. Brentford sporting director Lee Dykes confirmed the club is “open for business” but warned any bid must meet their valuation. “We’re realistic about the market and we’ll listen, but we won’t give players away,” Dykes told Sky Sports.

Arsenal’s hierarchy, led by sporting director Edu, has already held internal discussions on how Thiago would fit into a front three alongside Bukayo Saka and Martin Ødegaard, with the Norwegian expected to take on a more central role. Thiago’s profile fits a specific Arsenal blueprint: a target man who can dominate in the air and hold up play, but also possesses the mobility to stretch defences. His 6’3” frame and 28-goal tally in the Premier League make him a direct upgrade over the club’s current options, whose combined xG (expected goals) last season ranked in the bottom third of the league.

The Gunners’ analytics team has flagged Thiago’s ability to convert 28% of his big chances—far above the league average—highlighting why he’s now the priority over more technical but less decisive forwards. The timing of this pursuit underscores Arteta’s tactical flexibility. With Gabriel Jesus often deployed wide and Nketiah struggling for consistency, Thiago’s arrival would allow Arsenal to switch between a 4-2-3-1 and a 4-3-3 without losing firepower.

Brentford’s financial windfall could also accelerate their own evolution from a mid-table side to a club capable of challenging for European spots, with Dykes hinting at reinvestment in defensive reinforcements and a new goalkeeper. Arsenal’s move for Thiago also reflects a broader shift in their transfer strategy. After years of focusing on young, developmental talent, the club is now targeting established Premier League performers who can deliver immediate impact.

This approach mirrors the success of rivals like Manchester City and Liverpool, who have built title-winning squads by blending proven stars with emerging talent. Thiago’s experience and physicality would not only bolster Arsenal’s attack but also provide a mentor-like figure for younger players like Saka and Emile Smith Rowe. For Brentford, the sale of Thiago represents both a risk and an opportunity.

While losing their top scorer would weaken their immediate prospects, the £77 million windfall could fund a squad rebuild that elevates them beyond mid-table obscurity. Dykes’ comments suggest Brentford are already eyeing replacements, with reports linking them to several Championship strikers and a potential move for a Serie A defender. However, replacing Thiago’s goals and presence will be no small feat, and Brentford’s ability to reinvest wisely will determine whether this transfer marks a step forward or a setback.

What’s next: Arsenal will finalise their valuation over the next 48 hours and could table a formal offer as soon as this weekend. Brentford’s board meets Monday to assess the proposal, while Thiago’s agent is already in London to begin contract talks. If the deal clears, Arsenal would add a Premier League-proven striker weeks before their Champions League qualifier against Rangers. Read at GNews.io