Monza's Gustavo Varela draws Napoli, Juventus interest as agent meets clubs

What happened

Monza striker Gustavo Varela is attracting growing transfer attention, with his agent reported to have met Napoli and Juventus now also showing interest, according to Football Italia. The report, citing multiple reports and Tuttosport, places Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur among the other clubs linked with the 21-year-old centre-forward.

Report details

The agent, Hector Peris, reportedly held a meeting with Napoli director Giovanni Manna on Thursday. Football Italia noted that Peris also represents current Napoli players Rafa Marin and Alisson Santos, which it said was part of the reason for the meeting. Juventus have reportedly added Varela to their list and could include Adin Licina in any proposal; Licina is currently on loan at Cremonese and shares an agent with Varela.

Varela has made a striking start to his debut Serie A season after arriving from Benfica's B team. He has scored nine goals in 10 Serie A games, plus two in his only Coppa Italia appearance for Monza, and earned his first senior call-up to the Portugal squad for Nations League duty.

Monza are eager to keep the 21-year-old until at least the end of the season, with Football Italia reporting that his goals alone are keeping the club away from the relegation zone. The report added that his price tag keeps rising ahead of January. No official confirmation of any transfer move was reported.