Chelsea have joined the chase for Monza striker Gustavo Varela, with the Blues sending scouts to watch the highly-rated forward in action on Saturday.

Chelsea Join Arsenal in Chase for Monza Star Gustavo Varela

The 21-year-old has taken Italian football by storm since arriving from Benfica in July, and his remarkable goal-scoring form has caught the attention of Europe’s elite clubs.

Varela netted his 11th goal of the season during Monza’s narrow 2-1 defeat to Bologna at the Renato Dall’Ara stadium over the weekend, further enhancing his growing reputation.

The Portugal U21 international has now registered 11 goals in just 20 appearances, a return that has sparked a fierce transfer battle among some of the continent’s biggest names.

Arsenal have reportedly monitored Varela’s progress closely as Mikel Arteta seeks attacking reinforcements, but the Gunners now face significant competition.

Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur both dispatched club officials to watch the striker live, while representatives from Atletico Madrid, Borussia Dortmund, Newcastle United, RB Leipzig, Brentford, Brighton and Fulham also attended the match.

Monza secured Varela’s services for a modest €2.5 million fee during the summer transfer window.

However, his Estimated Transfer Value has already climbed towards the €5 million mark and looks set to rise further if his prolific form continues.

Chelsea’s interest stems from manager Xabi Alonso’s apparent dissatisfaction with his current striking options.

Although the club signed Emmanuel Emegha and Danny Welbeck during the summer, neither player has convinced the Spanish coach.

On Saturday, Pedro Neto started up front against Manchester United due to Joao Pedro’s injury, with both Emegha and Welbeck left on the bench despite being more natural centre-forward options.

Alonso clearly wants more firepower in his squad, and Varela’s explosive start to the 2026-27 campaign makes him an attractive target.

The Blues will need to move quickly, though, as competition for the in-form forward intensifies with each passing week.

Chelsea’s scouting mission signals their intent to secure one of Europe’s hottest young talents before rival clubs can act.