Arsenal are reportedly keeping a close eye on Genoa’s striker, Leonardo Pavoletti, a player who once held talks with Leeds and had a tour of their facilities in 2014.

Now 27 (28 next month), the centre forward has two goals in four Serie A appearances this season after netting 14 in 25 last season (with three assists).

A great finisher with a problem staying onside, Pavoletti is strong in the air and loves a little flick-on just like our very own Olivier Giroud. In fact, given the strangeness around Giroud this season and the fact that Pavoletti would never be purchased as a first-choice striker at a club like Arsenal, it does pose the question – is Wenger looking to replace the Frenchman?

A question for another day, perhaps.

After just signing Lucas, bringing another player for this position who would be nothing more than a squad player would seem strange unless there was something else going on that we aren’t yet aware of.

Previously, Pavoletti has played for Armando Picchi, Viareggio, Pavia, Juve Stabia, Casale, Virtus Lanciano, Sassuolo, and Varese before moving to Genoa in 2015.