Arsenal will be looking to the summer hoping to alleviate the 'nearly men' tag from themselves.
The Gunners look destined to finish runners-up in the Premier League and there have been questions from those outside the club about whether Mikel Arteta is the man to go that step further. What has been clear this season is that Arsenal have missed a goalscorer at the top of the pitch with too many games falling by the way side due to a lack of a finisher.
Football.london's latest look at the media headlines focuses on the search for that elusive striker who could be the difference next season in the title race.
Keown suggests transfer is done
Speaking on TNT Sports, Arsenal legend Martin Keown believes that the Gunners have already signed a striker to alleviate their goalscoring concerns next season. "[Benjamin] Sesko at Leipzig is more of a player who is easier to attain than [Alexander] Isak, and he’s an up-and-comer," the former centre-back said.
"I would suggest that there’s already been a player bought, and that it’s already done from an Arsenal point of view. They won’t be making this mistake again."
What FL says: It is a bold call to suggest that Arsenal have already made the signing of a striker but Keown does have connections inside the club so he could be right. He is correct to say that Sesko is more attainable than Isak but should the Gunners just be settling?
I f they were to pull off the signing of the Swede, it would be seen as a huge statement of intent and likely make them automatic favourites for the title. Sesko, while clearly promising, is a bit more of a risk considering he has yet to play in the Premier League.
Isak sends transfer message
Meanwhile, Isak has continued to send a message to prospective clubs as he stole the show for the Swedish national team in a friendly against Northern Ireland. He set up one and scored another in a 5-1 victory over the youthful Northern Irish side.
Isak has now scored 16 goals for his country.
What FL says: Isak will have undoubtedly faced tougher opposition in his time but his dominant display against Northern Ireland is yet further evidence why Newcastle are so keen to keep him. He has every attribute that a striker in the Premier League needs and that's why he could cost a princely sum.
At 25, this summer is a huge one for Isak and he needs to figure out if he can complete his objectives at St James' Park. If he decides he cannot, Arsenal must have a good pitch ready to persuade him to move to the Emirates Stadium as he is a special striker with few alternatives available.
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Arsenal Manager Mikel Arteta, Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Jesus with the Arsenal Therapy Dog Win during the Arsenal Men's team group shoot at London Colney on September 18, 2023
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