Arsenal are reportedly in the race to sign VFB Stuttgart forward Serhou Guirassy, according to Christian Falk, who Football Park ranks as a tier one source.

The Guinean striker had the most prolific season of his career in 2023/24, netting 30 goals in as many club games.

However, the 28-year-old has informed Stuttgart of his intentions to leave the club this summer as many clubs circle for his signature. Guirassy’s current Stuttgart contract contains a £15 million release clause.

✅ Arsenal in the race for Bundesliga star who has separate release clause for non-German teams https://t.co/zR8IBk5Igu

— Christian Falk (@cfbayern) June 24, 2024

Who is Arsenal target Serhou Guirassy?

For his whole career, Guirassy has only played for either a French or German club.

After leaving the Stade Lavallois academy in 2014, the striker had spells at both LOSC Lille and AJ Auxerre before leaving for Germany.

The Guinea international joined FC Köln for a £3.2 million fee but struggled to get up to speed in the Bundesliga, scoring only six league goals over his three seasons at the club.

As a result, Guirassy returned to France, initially joining Amiens on loan for second half of the 2018/19 season, before signing permanently ahead of the following campaign. In the 18 months he spent at the club, Guirassy rediscovered his scoring touch, netting 12 times and earning himself a move to Stade Rennais. Again, the forward impressed, improving his goalscoring record even further whilst wearing red and black.

The 28-year-old moved to Stuttgart in 2022 and has since enjoyed the best spell of his career. Guirassy has thus far played 58 matches in all competitions for the German club, contributing to 50 goals as well as helping the club secure UEFA Champions League qualification for the first time in 15 years.

This form has seen Guirassy attract interest from a whole host of top teams this summer with Borussia Dortmund, Atlético Madrid and now Arsenal all being linked with the striker.

🟡⚫️ Borussia Dortmund keep insisting on Serhou Guirassy deal as priority, even after decision to part ways with Terzic.

BVB are pushing on player side with contract proposal and project presented, waiting for his green light.

Release clause: €17.5m. pic.twitter.com/2EQUqwHFG4

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 18, 2024

Do Arsenal have any other striker targets?

Since the departure of former club captain Pierre Emerick Aubameyang, Arsenal have struggled to find a striker to lead the line for longer than a season.

Alexandre Lacazette, Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah have all held the spot for a period of time but struggled to cement it as their own. Despite the latter two being available to Mikel Arteta last season, the Spaniard instead decided to play German international Kai Havertz at centre forward after January. Havertz did impress in the forward line, contributing to 14 goals in 12 games as the Gunners came agonisingly close to winning the Premier League.

However, it could be argued that Arsenal still need a Haaland-esque signing if they are to topple Manchester City at the summit next season.

Links to Guirassy do not come as a surprise following his impeccable 2023/24 season, however, there are other options that Arsenal are reportedly keeping a close eye on. Napoli’s Victor Osimhen, Sporting Lisbon’s Viktor Gyokeres and RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko are also amongst the names that are reportedly on the club’s radar.

🚨 JUST IN from @FabrizioRomano!

If Arsenal decide to buy a striker, Viktor Gyökeres is a CONCRETE possibility. 🇸🇪

Arsenal reached out to know the conditions of the deal a few months ago. 🔎

Via @TransferSector. ⚡️ pic.twitter.com/yZ08VHJ1kk

— Eduardo Hagn (@EduardoHagn) June 24, 2024