Getafe forward Borja Mayoral addresses Arsenal speculation

Getafe forward Borja Mayoral has admitted that he has been "surprised" by suggestions that Arsenal are looking to sign him during the January transfer window.

The 26-year-old has been in impressive form for his capital club during the 2023-24 campaign, scoring 14 goals and registering one assist in 22 appearances in all competitions.

Mayoral has 12 goals and one assist in La Liga this term, while he has managed two goals in three outings in this season's Copa del Rey.

A recent report claimed that Arsenal had launched a £22m offer for the Spain international, which had been quickly rejected by Getafe.

Mayoral has now reacted to the speculation, admitting that he has been "surprised" by the talk, with the striker insisting that no discussions have taken place over a transfer.

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"It's news that has surprised me too. I haven't spoken to the club or my agent. I'm very focused on Getafe on a day-to-day basis," Mayoral told Mediaset.

Arsenal forward Mikel Arteta is thought to be an admirer of the former Spain Under-21s international, who came through the youth system at Real Madrid.

Mayoral scored seven goals and registered four assists in 33 appearances for Los Blancos, and he spent time out on loan with Wolfsburg, Levante, Roma and Getafe while contracted to the Madrid giants.

The striker completed a permanent move to the Deep Blue Ones in August 2022, and his overall record for the club stands at 29 goals and four assists in 78 appearances.

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Brentford, Crystal Palace and Fulham have also been credited with an interest in the striker, who has a contract with Getafe until the end of the 2026-27 campaign.

Mayoral managed 16 goals in 31 appearances for Spain Under-21s, but he is yet to earn a senior cap for Spain, being overlooked towards the end of last year despite his strong form at club level.

Arsenal continue to be linked with forward additions, with Bologna's Joshua Zirkzee also thought to have been identified as an alternative to Brentford's Ivan Toney.

However, the Gunners could be forced to wait until the summer to boost their striker options.

Arteta's side have lost their last three matches in all competitions, including their last two in the Premier League, with the disappointing form seeing them drop into fourth position in the table.