Arsenal are one of three Premier League sides competing to sign a Europa League stand-out who could earn a big step up as early as January, per a report.

The Gunners were known to be targeting a new addition to their forward ranks last summer. The consensus at the time was Arsenal wanted a ready-made winger who would compete with Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli.

That resulted in a bid being placed for Leeds Utd’s Raphinha, though the Brazilian only had eyes for Barcelona.

Mikel Arteta ultimately kept his powder dry in that department aside from signing youngster Marquinhos. However, speculation over an addition out wide has continued beyond the window.

Indeed, they remain a firm admirer of Cody Gakpo who continues to rack up gaudy numbers at PSV Eindhoven. Shakhtar Donetsk’s Mykhaylo Mudryk is another on their radar.

However, according to Calciomercato.it, Arsenal have a new name in their sights.

The Italian outlet report The Premier League leaders are interested in signing Danish right winger, Gustav Isaksen.

The 21-year-old plies his trade for Midtjylland in Denmark and is currently enjoying a break-out season.

Arsenal target excelling against tougher opponents

Isaksen’s seven goals this season are already the highest single season tally he’s achieved despite it only being October. The Europa League against tougher opposition is where he’s really shone.

Indeed, Isaksen scored in both the home and away legs of Midtjylland’s Group Stage clashes against Lazio. He also notched against Feyenoord.

Arsenal are not the only Premier League side in the mix, however, with Calciomercato.it reporting Newcastle and West Ham are in the mix too.

The Italian report centres around, as you would expect, interest from Italian sides.

On that front, it’s claimed AC Milan and Fiorentina also like what they see.

AC Milan, Arsenal lures differ

Milan appear to be his primary suitor at present and there’s a suggestion he could slot straight into their starting eleven if signed in January. Given Saka continues to shine in north London, Arsenal cannot make that same guarantee.

However, Arsenal, as well as Newcastle and West Ham, can outmuscle any Italian side financially.

To that end, the report notes Midtjylland are unlikely to sell for anything less than €20m (approx. £17m). A fee in that range can be summoned far easier for the cash-rich English trio than those in Italy.

With no fewer than five suitors in the frame and Midtjylland poised for a game-changing windfall, the report suggests a January exit is a very real possibility.

Despite Isaksen’s own personal exploits, Midtjylland currently sit bottom of Group F in the Europa League.

If they remain in that position after matchweek six and their European campaign ends altogether, they may be more willing to sell Isaksen mid-season that they otherwise might’ve been.

READ MORE: Arsenal would not even accept ‘monstrous offer’ for in-form star after redemptive period under Arteta

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