It is perhaps the worst-kept secret in football that Arsenal are trying to sign a new striker for Mikel Arteta this summer, following a 2024/2025 campaign marred by the struggle to break sides down as often as they should.
Arsenal search for new striker after disappointing 2024/2025
Arteta watched on from the sidelines as his Gunners side drew more Premier League games than any other side in the top half whilst scoring just 69 goals in the top flight, a far cry from the 91 and 88 they'd scored in the previous two seasons.
Al Nassr's Sadio Mane Related
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The Gunners have now identified a new wide target, who could go on to reach the level of Liverpool legend Sadio Mane.
Major factors at play were the long-term injuries sustained by Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus, who were both sidelined for extended periods midway through the campaign, prompting Arteta to deploy Mikel Merino in an emergency striker role.
Arsenal transfer spending under Arteta (via Sky Sports) Money on new signings
19/20 - winter £0
20/21 - summer £81.5m
20/21 - winter £900k
21/22 - summer £156.8m
21/22 - winter £1.8m
22/23 - summer £121.5m
22/23 - winter £59m
23/24 - summer £208m
23/24 - winter £0
24/25 - summer £101.5m
24/25 - winter £0
Arsenal's lack of potency in the final third saw them surrender the Premier League title to Liverpool by a seismic 10 points, and sporting director Andrea Berta appears determined to ensure they don't repeat that scenario next term.
According to reliable media sources, Berta's two top striker targets for Arsenal are Sporting CP star Viktor Gyokeres and RB Leipzig's Benjamin Sesko.
Benjamin-Sesko-Arsenal
Arsenal began "concrete" talks for Sesko last week, and some reports in Portugal claimed that Gyokeres received a contract offer from Arsenal. The north Londoners appear to be laying groundwork over both deals before they formally move towards their best option, and the two frontmen have very enticing credentials.
That being said, there are alternative options under consideration, and one of them was Botafogo striker Igor Jesus.
Botafogo's Igor Jesus celebrates scoring their second goal
Last month, Arsenal were reported to have made contact over a deal for Jesus, who actually has an £84 million release clause in his contract.
Igor Jesus "set to join" Nottingham Forest with Arsenal snubbed
However, according to journalist Graeme Bailey in a piece for The Boot Room, Arsenal appear set to miss out on a move for the highly-rated Brazilian.
It is reported that Jesus is "now set to join" Nottingham Forest instead, with Nuno Espirito Santo's side closing in on a £30 million deal for the 24-year-old after opening talks. The striker was also attracting interest from Brentford, Everton, Leeds United, Newcastle, and West Ham, but Forest are now far out in pole position to secure his signature.
Botafogo-Igor-Jesus
Arsenal have one less option to turn towards in the event they cannot strike deals for Sesko or Gyokeres, which comes as a minor setback for Berta considering Jesus' glowing reputation.
"Igor Jesus has had an incredible year," said journalist Zach Lowy in late 2024. "Started 2024 off on fire in the UAE, went back home after four years abroad, made his Brazil debut, started in each of their last four matches, led Botafogo to the greatest year in their entire history.
"He's only just getting started."