Arsenal are reportedly weighing up another move in the striker market just 12 months after signing Viktor Gyokeres, with Brentford forward Igor Thiago emerging as a surprise target ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.
Fresh from ending their 22-year wait for a Premier League title, Mikel Arteta and sporting director Andrea Berta are continuing their efforts to strengthen a squad that reached the summit of English football but fell short in the Champions League final.
While Gyokeres delivered important contributions during his debut season in north London, reports suggest Arsenal remain open to adding further firepower as they look to build a team capable of sustaining success both domestically and in Europe.
Igor Thiago Emerges on Arsenal Radar
According to Brazilian outlet RTI Esporte as relayed by GIVEMESPORT, Arsenal have identified Brentford striker Igor Thiago as a potential summer recruit.
The report claims the 24-year-old Brazilian is among the attacking options being monitored by the club, with his Premier League performances having caught the attention of Arsenal’s recruitment team.
Manchester United are also interested, which could set up another transfer battle between two of England’s biggest clubs.
Thiago’s profile appears to align with several qualities that Arteta values in a centre-forward. His ability to press aggressively, occupy defenders physically and provide a focal point in attack has reportedly made him an attractive option as Arsenal assess ways to elevate their frontline.
Thiago’s rise is particularly notable given the challenges he faced after arriving in England.
A serious injury disrupted his first season at Brentford and delayed his adaptation to Premier League football. However, the Brazilian responded impressively once fully fit, establishing himself as one of the division’s most productive forwards.
Last season was a breakthrough campaign.
The striker broke the record for the highest goalscoring season by a Brazilian player in their second Premier League campaign, surpassing previous benchmarks with remarkable consistency.
By the end of the season, Thiago had scored 22 league goals, a tally bettered only by Manchester City’s Erling Haaland.
Those numbers have inevitably attracted attention from clubs operating at the top end of the table.
Tactical Fit Raises Interesting Questions
From a tactical perspective, Thiago offers a different profile to Gyokeres.
While the Swedish international thrives on direct running, transitional attacks and explosive movement into space, Thiago’s game is built on physical presence, penalty-box instincts and relentless work without possession.
Such attributes could provide Arteta with greater variety in attack, particularly against deep defensive blocks where Arsenal have occasionally required a more traditional focal point.
However, there remains a degree of caution around any potential move.
History is littered with examples of players excelling at mid-table Premier League clubs before finding life considerably more difficult at teams expected to dominate possession every week.
The nature of chances created at Brentford differs significantly from those available at Arsenal, where opponents often defend with numbers behind the ball.
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Transfer Battle Could Inflate Price
One factor that may complicate any deal is Brentford’s likely valuation.
The report does not specify an asking price, but with Thiago under contract and attracting interest from multiple elite clubs, Brentford would be under little pressure to sell.
Competition from Manchester United could also increase the eventual transfer fee should formal negotiations develop later in the window.
For now, Arsenal’s interest remains at the monitoring stage. Yet Thiago’s name has emerged as another indication that Arteta is determined not to stand still after finally delivering the Premier League title.
The message from the Emirates is clear: success has not reduced Arsenal’s ambition. If anything, it has intensified the search for players capable of taking the club to an even higher level.