Friday, March 29, 2024

What striking options could Arsenal be eyeing up this summer?

Embed from Getty Images

Breezing their way to what was a routine 2-0 win at home against Leicester last weekend, it is no secret that Arsenal have their sights firmly set on securing a Champions League return this season.

Pushing their way back into the top-four and now enjoying a five-match Premier League winning run, Mikel Arteta’s men have also seen a host of new arrivals really hit the ground running since making the move to north London.

With the likes of Aaron Ramsdale, Ben White and Martin Odegaard spearheading the Gunners’ young resurge, it has been widely reported that Arsenal are still keen on doing more business this summer.

Publically missing out on new Juventus superstar Dušan Vlahović during the January transfer window, we have taken a look at a handful of number nines who could be on their way to the Emirates.

Alexander Isak – Real Sociedad

While Alexander Isak might find himself enduring an extended nine-match goalless run across all competitions, the 22-year-old striker has only continued to gain a host of plaudits from across Europe since really bursting onto the scene last season.

Heavily linked with a potential move to the Gunners throughout January, the Real Sociedad star was also reportedly keen on making a Premier League switch before the window slammed shut.

However, while The Daily Mail might have reported earlier in the month that Isak remains Arteta’s number one choice to replace Alexandre Lacazette up top, it has been suggested that Arsenal are not keen on matching the Swedish international’s whopping release clause.

Valued at an eye-watering £72million by the Spanish outfit, The Sunday Mirror also reported last week that the former Premier League champions could face some stiff competition for Liverpool this summer.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin – Everton

Once again missing out in Sunday’s 1-0 defeat against Wolves at Goodison Park due to what was believed to have been an illness, it is fair to say that Dominic Calvert-Lewin has endured a frustrating campaign on Merseyside.

Yet to record a single strike since opening 2022 and with Everton now firmly at the heart of a relegation scrap, many across the Premier League believe that the former Sheffield United starlet could be available on the cheap this summer.

With Frank Lampard’s new squad dealing with some public financial issues, Calvert-Lewin has largely failed to build off of last season’s run that saw him bag a career-best 16 top-flight strikes.

However, despite dealing with a host of injury problems throughout the 2021/22 campaign, Football London have suggested that Arteta is still keen on agreeing on a deal for the 11-cap England international when the window reopens.

Darwin Nunez – Benfica

Enjoying what has been nothing short of a sensational campaign at the Estádio da Luz and breaking a host of records with Benfica, it is no secret that Darwin Nunez is a starlet in high demand this summer.

Linked with a possible £50million move to London rivals West Ham on Deadline Day in January, the 22-year-old has racked up 20 goals in just 22 Primeira Liga appearances this season and has gained a host of plaudits from across Europe.

Bagging the winner against Ajax on Tuesday and booking Benfica’s spot in the quarter-finals of this year’s Champions League, The Evening Standard reported last week that Arsenal are the latest club to throw their hat in the ring to snap up Nunez’s signature over the coming months.

However, while the Gunners might see the Uruguayan marksman as their long-term number nine, it has once again been suggested that Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool are also eyeing up a potential swoop for the Benfica talisman this summer.

Jonathan David – Lille

Making the move to Lille from Belgium outfit Gent for a fee in the region of €30milion back in 2020, there is no doubt that Jonathan David played a vital role in Les Dogues’ stunning Ligue 1 title success last season.

Continuing on with his good form since opening the 2021/22 campaign and once again sat fifth in the race for France’s Golden Boot, the Canadian starlet also helped guide Jocelyn Gourvennec’s side to the knockout stage of this year’s Champions League.

Linked with a potential move to PSG during the January transfer window, reports from across Europe have suggested that the 22-year-old is keen on a move to the Premier League this summer.

In fact, French outlet Le10Sport reported last week that Arsenal have already made their intentions clear to David’s entourage that they’re keen on striking a deal for Lille’s top scorer ahead of the new season.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Tom Dunstan


Formerly of The Independent, Tom has spent the past six years as one of our senior writers and betting experts. Alongside working with numerous publications from across the globe, Tom also graduated from the University of Falmouth in 2014 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Digital Media.
Spending almost the past decade working in countries such as Australia, New Zealand and Canada, he has also spent time featuring in sports radio. Tom can be followed on Instagram - @iamtomdunstan

SHARE OR COMMENT ON THIS ARTICLE

WE RECOMMEND

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This field is required *

Join the conversation!

or Register

Live Scores

advertisement

Betting Guide Advertisement

advertisement

Become a Writer
More More
Top