Arsenal have reportedly drawn up a 10-man striker shortlist ahead of the summer transfer window. The Gunners are keen to bolster their forward ranks at the end of the season, with the club set to explore options from around Europe.
Mikel Arteta opted against acquiring the services of a No. 9 in the January transfer window, with the Arsenal manager keen to put his faith in the likes of Gabriel Jesus, Kai Havertz, Eddie Nketiah and Leandro Trossard.
Signing a top-quality striker is top of the list of priorities at the Emirates Stadium this summer though, with sales expected to fund their pursuits. Arsenal have recruited efficiently over the past few years and they are keen to ensure they do not buck that trend with what is likely to be their marquee signing of the window.
As a result, the higher powers in north London are keen to ensure that they assess all of their options before the season concludes so that a clear plan can be drafted up with Arteta about how their summertime business will be conducted.
According to The Mirror, Arsenal have a 10-man shortlist of strikers which they are working from at present, which includes Brentford star Ivan Toney and ex-Manchester United target Brian Bobbey of Ajax. Napoli forward Victor Osimhen is also among the Gunners’ considerations, despite his significant price tag.
Arsenal are also keeping tabs on Liga Portugal, with Sporting’s Viktor Gyokeres an option being explored and Porto’s Evanilson playing his way onto the shortlist with 22 goals in 34 appearances so far this season.
Swedish talent Alexander Isak remains a target at the Emirates, and Arsenal could look to capitalise on Newcastle’s need to offload players to pounce – a deal which would certainly receive the approval of Ian Wright. The Gunners legend has sung the praises of the ex-Real Sociedad star over the past few seasons, tweeting ‘Wow’ in response to a clip of a sensational assist from Isak last season.
Arsenal are also interested in exploring those who are untried in the Premier League, with Santiago Gimenez (Feyenoord), Lois Openda (RB Leipzig) and Victor Boniface (Bayer Leverkusen) catching the eye of the higher powers at the club. Chelsea and United target Benjamin Sesko of Leipzig remains a player whom Arsenal scout regularly as well.
