Arsenal are planning to make an offer for Marseille forward Igor Paixao, with manager Mikel Arteta personally driving the move for the Brazilian.
Arteta could be set to reshape his forward line in the summer, with the Spaniard under increasing scrutiny after the 2-1 defeat against AFC Bournemouth on Saturday, which gave Manchester City a golden opportunity to blow the Premier League title race wide open.
However, the manager has insisted he isn't fearing a collapse late in the season, saying:
"There is no fear. Pure fire. That’s it. Me, the first one. Pure fire. That’s what I want to see on the players, on the people, on myself.
"Fire! I’m on fire. I’m on fire. That’s it. Nothing else. I’m dreaming so much. I’ve done so much to be in this position because I know how this club was. I’ve done so much and this is beauty.
"We are in April, we have an incredible opportunity ahead of us. Let’s confront it, let’s go for it by really putting absolutely everything into it."
Regardless of whether the Gunners get over the line, there could be some changes this summer, with Fabrizio Romano recently confirming a long-serving forward could leave, having recently changed agents.
Arsenal - Emirates Stadium Related
[Fabrizio Romano reveals £265,000-a-week star who "loves Arsenal" could leave](https://www.footballfancast.com/arsenal-news-gabriel-jesus-changed-agents-could-leave-this-summer/ "Fabrizio Romano reveals £265,000-a-week star who "loves Arsenal" could leave")
A high earner could be on the move this summer...
Gabriel Martinelli's future is also uncertain, with the left-winger performing very well in the cup competitions, but failing to make much of an impact in the Premier League.
Gabriel Martinelli's attacking numbers Appearances Goal involvements
Premier League 26 4
Champions League 10 8
FA Cup 4 5
Igor Paixao in line to replace Gabriel Martinelli at Arsenal
According to a report from Sports Boom, Arsenal are now seriously keen on signing Martinelli's compatriot, Paixao, this summer, and they are preparing a bid of €35m (£30m) plus add-ons to secure his signature.
Arsenal's Ben White and Gabriel Martinelli look dejected after the match
Arteta is driving the move for the left-winger, having seemingly been impressed by his performances this season, with the Brazilian picking up 12 goals and seven assists in 38 matches in all competitions.
Described as "explosive" by scout Jacek Kulig, the 25-year-old could be a like-for-like replacement for Martinelli, given that he also operates on the left.
Paul Scholes claims Arsenal are "gone" in Premier League title race
Although Arteta is keen on Paixao, his number one priority will be to ensure his side finish the season strong, but Paul Scholes has suggested Man City will be licking their lips after Arsenal's defeat at home to Bournemouth.
"I just think Arsenal are gone and all of the momentum is with Manchester City," Scholes said. "At some point you’ve got to beat your rivals to win the league. I’ve not seen them do it, they don’t win big games. I can’t see anything other than a City win on Sunday, I just can’t."
The Gunners are still in the driving seat, but with City hitting their stride, they can't afford any slip-ups between now and the end of the season.
Arsenal's Premier League title-run in Date
Man City (a) April 19th
Newcastle United (h) April 25th
Fulham (h) May 2nd
West Ham (a) May 10th
Burnley (h) May 17th
Crystal Palace (a) May 24th