PSV Eindhoven could face domestic rivals Ajax in the race to sign Portuguese striker Gustavo Varela, with the 21-year-old attracting growing interest following an impressive start to life in Italian football.

According to Italian newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport as relayed by PSV Inside, both Dutch clubs are monitoring the AC Monza forward, who has also attracted attention from several major European sides.

Varela has made a strong impression since joining Monza last summer, scoring eight goals and providing one assist in his first eight Serie A appearances. His performances have come despite Monza currently sitting 15th in the Italian top flight.

The Portuguese forward's goalscoring form has reportedly placed him on the radar of several clubs, with PSV and Ajax potentially preparing to compete for his signature.

Interest in Varela is not limited to the Netherlands. According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Italian heavyweights Napoli are also among the clubs keeping an eye on his situation.

Napoli, who currently have former PSV winger Noa Lang in their squad, could view the young forward as a potential attacking addition.

There is also interest from England, with Transfermarkt reporting that Premier League champions Arsenal are monitoring the Portuguese striker.

The growing competition for Varela's signature could make any potential transfer complicated, particularly if his current goalscoring form continues throughout the season.

Varela's career has already taken him through several different footballing environments. He left Sporting CP's youth academy in 2016 to join Greek club PAOK, where he spent six years developing before returning to Portugal in 2022 to sign for Benfica.

After representing Sporting's academy, Varela subsequently joined their Lisbon rivals, continuing his development at one of Portugal's biggest clubs. Last season, he gained further experience on loan at Gil Vicente before securing a move to AC Monza last summer.

That switch has proved productive so far, with his performances in Serie A bringing him into the transfer conversation across Europe.

For PSV, the reported interest comes as they continue to assess their attacking options. Ajax's involvement could create an additional obstacle, while competition from Napoli and Arsenal would further complicate the situation.

No agreement or formal transfer offer has been confirmed, but Varela's impressive start at Monza has established him as a forward attracting attention from several prominent clubs.