Arsenal draw up four-man striker shortlist as Champions League woes expose key weakness

It has been reported that Arsenal, following their Wednesday Champions League quarterfinal loss to Bayern Munich, have determined they must acquire a prolific striker.

Joshua Kimmich’s goal at the Allianz Stadium proved to be the game-winning goal in the end, as Mikel Arteta’s team lost 3-2 over the course of two legs.

The Sun claims that because the Gunners lacked a focal point in their attack during the match, the club’s management “recognizes” that they must sign a top center-forward in order to advance.

Over the past few weeks, Arsenal has reportedly been linked to a number of strikers; however, according to the report, sporting director Edu has now selected his top four targets.

Viktor Gyokeres

Edu’s top pick is supposedly Sporting CP’s prolific goal scorer Viktor Gyokeres, who has been on a roll since joining from Coventry City last summer.

Some of the biggest clubs in Europe have taken notice of the Swedish international, who has scored 36 goals in 44 appearances for the Portuguese powerhouses.

Gyokeres is being pursued by Arsenal, Liverpool, and Chelsea this summer, but his acquisition will undoubtedly come at a high cost.

It will be interesting to see if Arsenal is willing to match Sporting’s demand of €100 million (£86 million) for the forward, who has a release clause.

Gyokeres has the potential to be Mikel Arteta’s team’s next great player if he can maintain his current level of play in the Premier League.

Alexander Isak

According to multiple sources, the Newcastle player Alexander Isak, who is currently among Europe’s most prolific strikers, is also highly regarded by the Arsenal management.

Isak is one of the players who the Magpies may have to let go for a sizable sum this summer in order to comply with Premier League profit and sustainability regulations.

With 17 goals so far, Isak is tied for fourth place in the Premier League’s top scorers, just one fewer than Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus, and Eddie Nketiah have combined for.

Although Eddie Howe would much rather hold onto the 24-year-old talisman, Newcastle may be forced to make a move if Arsenal matches his rumored £100 million price tag.

Benjamin Sesko

Benjamin Sesko, a 20-year-old striker for RB Leipzig, is regarded as one of Europe’s top prospects, and a move to the Premier League appears likely for him.

Arsenal can now be added to the list of suitors for the young player, who has already attracted the attention of Manchester United and Newcastle, as previously reported by TEAMtalk.

Sesko has advanced significantly since joining Leipzig in the Bundesliga, having paid Leipzig €24 million (£20.5 million) for his services last summer. This season, he has scored 13 goals in all competitions, and with more experience, he should only get better.

Sesko is a less expensive option than the other strikers on Arsenal’s shortlist, so if they match the €50 million (£42.8 million) release clause in his contract, they may be able to sign him this summer.

Ollie Watkins

Under Unai Emery, Aston Villa’s development has been nothing short of extraordinary, and they are justifiably in position to make it into the Champions League for the first time since 1982.

With an astounding 19 Premier League goals this season, Ollie Watkins has become the third-highest scorer in the division and is arguably the Villains’ most important player.

Naturally, Aston Villa will exert every effort to hold onto the England international, but there are rumors that several other teams are considering putting in bids for him in the summer.

Wakins is reportedly valued at £80 million by the Midlands team, so Arsenal will need to pay a significant amount to acquire him.

If they can work out a deal, the 28-year-old—who is unquestionably among the best strikers in England right now—could significantly improve Arteta’s team.