Arteta needs a new strikerArteta needs a new striker
Arteta needs a new striker | AFP via Getty Images
Arsenal already know their priority summer transfer target, according to one report.
Arsenal reportedly have a priority in their search for a striker ahead of the summer. The Gunners have been left short at the top end of the pitch this season after seeing Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz both ruled out for the season across January and February, while Eddie Nketiah was allowed to leave last summer.
The decision to not sign a new striker last summer or in the January window has come back to bite the Gunners, who have slipped out of the Premier League title race as a consequence, although there are other factors, of course, not least the loss of Bukayo Saka for a long period across late winter and early spring.
Arsenal felt it was best to wait until the summer to sign a striker due to the fact their primary targets were not available in the winter, and there will be plenty of eyes on the North London club to see how quick they move in the summer window.
Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak has been linked, but it’s unlikely he will become available, especially not if Newcastle United qualify for the Champions League, and not for less than £100million in any case. Meanwhile, RB Leipzig star Benjamin Sesko is the other main link, with the Gunners having shown interest in securing his services for some time.
Sesko looks set to move on this summer, and according to journalist Ben Jacobs, he will be the main target unless Isak surprisingly becomes a realistic option. Jacobs told The Boot Room: “Yes Arsenal like him (Alexander Isak), yes, he’s the dream target, he’s the number one target. But all of us have number one things we’d like in the world, but they’re fictional pie in the sky dreams that are very unlikely to happen.
“Is Isak genuinely available? Berta will get a quick read on that. If he is, he becomes Arsenal’s top choice. If he isn’t available, I’d be relatively confident in saying that Arsenal will make a significant play on Benjamin Sesko. I think that is a very likely deal to happen again, good value, the release clause is €70m (£60m). Relatively low wage and he’s sold on the project. Sesko to Arsenal has a very high percentage chance, but they won’t pull the trigger until they know the Isak question.”
Sesko has a long-term contract with RB Leizpig but he is said to have an agreement with the club that he can leave if a certain value is met this summer. The striker is seen as a player who would fit Arteta’s system well given his involvement in build-up, play, while he is also a consistent scorer, netting 17 goals across all competitions so far this season.
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