EXCLUSIVE: Arsenal actively monitoring Mainz striker Nelson Weiper

Arsenal are actively monitoring Mainz forward Nelson Weiper, FootballTransfers has been informed.

Sources close to the club have confirmed that Mikel Arteta’s side are keeping a close eye on the 20-year-old striker, although they are yet to make a formal approach.

Weiper only started seven Bundesliga matches last season, due to competition from Jonathan Burkardt, but he notched three goals and two assists during that time, while he shone as Germany reached the final of the U21 European Championship in June.

After starting the opening two matches of the tournament on the bench, the Mainz star scored four goals in the remaining four games as Germany progressed to the final before eventually succumbing to a 3-2 defeat to England.

His form at the tournament has attracted interest from multiple Premier League clubs, including Brentford and Tottenham Hotspur, and we understand that Arsenal have now joined the list of potential suitors.

The Gunners are understood to be looking for a striker in the mould of RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko – a tall and mobile finisher capable of complementing the current attacking options at the Emirates Stadium – and Weiper fits this profile perfectly.

However, Mainz are eager to retain the 20-year-old for at least another season and they currently value him at around €14 million amid growing interest in his services.

FootballTransfers has been told that Arsenal are yet to make a formal approach for Weiper, but we can confirm that he is on the club’s shortlist of potential transfer targets.

Arsenal close in on Viktor Gyokeres

Arsenal’s interest in Weiper will have no bearing on their pursuit of Sporting CP star Viktor Gyokeres, however.

We understand that a full agreement between all parties is close to being reached, with Arsenal eager for the Sweden international to complete his medical in north London this weekend.

Arsenal are currently ironing out the final payment details with Sporting and they hope to include Gyokeres in Arteta’s squad for the club’s pre-season tour of Asia.

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