Arsenal and Chelsea have reportedly moved ahead of Liverpool in the race to sign Inter Milan striker Marcus Thuram.
The Frenchman is currently in his second campaign as an Inter player after joining the Italian giants from Borussia Monchengladbach in the summer of 2023.
Thuram scored 15 goals and provided eight assists in 46 competitive matches during his first season in an Inter shirt, including 13 strikers in the Italian top flight.
The 27-year-old has already equalled his Serie A tally from last term, having reached 13 goals in 28 league matches for Simone Inzaghi‘s side.
As a result of his impressive form, the Inter star is attracting admiring glances ahead of the upcoming summer transfer window.
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Arsenal, Chelsea leapfrog Liverpool in Thuram race
A recent report claimed that Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool had all sent scouts to report on Thuram’s performances for the Nerazzurri.
According to Football Insider, Arsenal and Chelsea have now moved ahead of Liverpool in the race to sign the France international.
The Reds seemingly have work to do if they are to beat their Premier League rivals to Thuram’s signature, although Inter are doing all they can to keep him beyond the end of the season.
The Serie A leaders are keen to agree a new deal with the striker despite the fact his current deal runs until the summer of 2028.
Thuram’s current contract is said to include a £71m release clause, which Inter are keen to increase or remove in their talks over a new deal.
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Arsenal, Chelsea’s need for a new striker
Mikel Arteta‘s top priority for the summer transfer window will be to sign a number nine after being left without a natural striker following injuries to Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz.
Mikel Merino is having to operate as a makeshift forward, and while he scored the winner against Chelsea at the weekend, Arsenal will be keen to avoid a similar situation in the 2024-25 campaign.
Like their London rivals, Chelsea need to bolster their forward options after seeing their own lack of depth exposed by Nicolas Jackson‘s spell on the sidelines.
Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca will want to recruit a new striker who can compete with Jackson for the number-nine spot next season.
