Arsenal are reportedly ready to make a move for Atalanta sensation, Rasmus Hojlund, this summer, albeit with the Gunners set to face stern competition for the Dane's signature.

What's the latest on Hojlund to Arsenal?

According to Italian outlet La Repubblica - via Sports Witness - the Gunners are said to be 'closely monitoring' the 20-year-old amid his bright start to life in Italy, with the former Sturm Graz man having only joined his current side for a fee of around €17m (£15m) back in August 2022.

The report suggests that the north London outfit - as well as La Liga giants Real Madrid - are preparing a 'monstrous offer' for the two-cap sensation, despite having only recently secured the signing of fellow forward Gabriel Jesus ahead of this season.

A further piece from Calciomercato claims that any potential deal would not come cheap, however, with the Bergamo outfit likely to demand at least €50m (£44m) if they are to part ways with the towering asset any time soon.

Could Hojlund be the next Haaland?

Arsenal's sporting director Edu will likely have been encouraged by the striker's adaptation to life in Serie A in recent months, with Hojlund having scored six goals and provided two assists in 19 league games this season.

The Copenhagen native - who previously scored 12 goals in just 21 games during his brief, six-month spell in Austria - most recently caught the eye as a result of his display in the win over Lazio at the Stadio Olimpico, at one stage showing remarkable speed to burst clear of the home defence, only to ultimately fire his effort straight at the 'keeper.

Despite failing to convert that gilt-edged opening, the manner in which the promising striker tore away from those around him was truly impressive, having subsequently been lauded as "scary quick" by journalist Sacha Pisani.

Witnessing that remarkable breakaway only added fuel to the fire with regard to the 6 foot 4 gem's apparent likeness to fellow Scandinavian star, Erling Haaland, with the latter man - who stands at 6 foot 5 and is also left-footed - having been praised for his "blistering pace" by Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher.

That comparison between the pair has been noted by Hojlund himself, with the youngster having stated last year: "I see parallels between myself and Erling Haaland. He is fast, left-footed, tall, has a good nose for goal and is a classy finisher. His mentality is also completely insane!"

Those comments have since been followed by the praise of Atalanta boss, Gian Piero Gasperini, with the experienced coach providing his thoughts on the similarity between the pair: "Hojlund has this spirit, energy, intensity, but also technical quality that is just remarkable. He still has so much margin for improvement, too. He has very similar characteristics to Haaland, not just his face."

To think that the Gunners could be able to land their answer to the Manchester City machine is a truly mouthwatering prospect, with the Norwegian superstar having been recognised as the "best striker in the world" by Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp.

Despite some early teething problems following his summer switch from Borussia Dortmund - where he netted 86 goals in only 89 games across all fronts - the 22-year-old has still racked up 26 league goals this season so far, with 32 goals in just 31 games in all competitions for Pep Guardiola's side.

To be able to land their own version of the ruthless figurehead in the form of Hojlund could well help Mikel Arteta's side to build on their rampant form next season.

The onus will now be on Edu to get that deal over the line...