With little time left in the 2024 summer transfer window, the number of reported Arsenal striker targets looks set to continue growing, even with the Gunners starting off 2024/25 victoriously thanks to a 2-0 opening weekend win over Wolves.
Arsenal's current first-choice striker Kai Havertz got a goal and an assist, quelling some fears that the Gunners lack the resources up front to really challenge the might of Manchester City, and their born hitman Erling Haaland.
But despite Havertz’s impressive recent exploits as a number nine, many still think the Gunners could do with further reinforcement to the position, given that he is still seen as a playmaker or a false nine forward by trade. As such, three prominent names have cropped up this week.
Arsenal striker targets: our top three candidates
Alexander Isak
Our headline target is the one and only Alexander Isak, and it is no secret that the 24-year-old has long been admired at the Emirates Stadium.
The Newcastle striker was subject to strong interest from the Gunners during his time at Real Sociedad, where he played alongside Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard and Mikel Merino, who looks very likely to move to North London this summer.
Isak scored 21 goals and set up another two in 30 Premier League appearances last season, registering his best-ever return despite a somewhat disappointing season from Newcastle.
The Swedish international has even earned comparisons to Arsenal legend Thierry Henry for his attacking profile. While that stance naturally still has its sceptics, the former Dortmund and Willem II forward has many traits in common with Henry.
Foremostly, he is tall and blisteringly fast, but also doesn’t rely too much on his physicality. His touch and carrying ability are reminiscent of the great Frenchman, as is his preference for placing and curling his shots rather than blasting them. Positionally, Isak also likes to drift from his central striking berth onto the left, just like Henry.
The concept of Isak at Arsenal is an alluring one, but the problem is that Newcastle are likely very unwilling to sell to a Premier League rival, with rumours of an asking price far in excess of £100m. Arsenal will be hoping that the Magpies miss out on Europe once again, and that PSR forces their hand.
Victor Osimhen
Another striker long linked with a move to Arsenal is Victor Osimhen. The Super Eagle has been mentioned in the Gunners’ striker hunt for almost a year now.
Osimhen has averaged a goal every 165 minutes since moving to Napoli in 2020, which is impressive given the club’s greatly fluctuating fortunes.
At 25, Osimhen is arriving in his prime goalscoring years, and could be the perfect striker to rival Haaland in the title race.
Osimhen is a physical phenomenon, blessed with unstoppable speed, bullish strength and a great leap. He has the intelligence to match too, and is often found lurking in defenders’ blindspots or making searing runs in behind. He is a good finisher, scoring at a rate 12.5% higher than his expected goals across the last four seasons.
Expected to leave Serie A this summer, Osimhen will be available for less than his £110m release clause, with new Napoli boss Antonio Conte reportedly seeking a reunion with Romelu Lukaku.
Benjamin Sesko
Finally, we have Benjamin Sesko, who Arsenal made serious inroads towards signing at the start of the window as they sought to trigger his release clause.
Unfortunately for the Gunners, Sesko has signed a new deal at RB Leipzig, spelling the end of any prospective move this summer.
But for a prospect like the Slovenian, Mikel Arteta and co may be willing to wait a year.
The 21-year-old is freakishly similar to Haaland. He possesses the same strengths of absurd physicality in terms of speed and strength, a cannon of a shot, a relentless mentality and cerebral movement. He even played for RB Salzburg in his formative years, too.
Sesko may be off the cards for the time being, but this is far from the last time the striker’s name will be mentioned in the same breath as the Gunners.
