Transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano has provided insights into Arsenal’s pursuit of key transfer targets, shedding light on the club’s ongoing search for a prolific striker. After a thrilling title fight against Manchester City last season, which saw Arsenal narrowly miss out on the trophy by just two points, the Gunners are determined to clinch their first Premier League title in over 20 years in the upcoming season.
Despite possessing quality across the pitch, Mikel Arteta has identified the need for a clinical striker who can consistently score 20 goals a season. Arsenal have been linked with several forwards, most notably Benjamin Sesko, Joshua Zirkzee, Victor Osimhen, and Victor Gyokeres. The pursuit of Sesko ended when the Slovenian signed a new deal with RB Leipzig.
Romano has elaborated on the futures of the other forwards linked with Arsenal. Regarding Osimhen and Zirkzee, Romano stated, “In this moment of the market, keep an eye also in England, because Osimhen could be a big possibility. If Napoli changes the price of Victor Osimhen, there could be a possibility for other clubs to enter. For example, Manchester United are looking for a striker.
“We know about Joshua Zirkzee and this battle with Milan, but also Arsenal are looking for a striker. Will they go for a striker? Will they go for a winger? What they decide to do in terms of plan? Keep an eye on many clubs for Victor Osimhen.”
Romano, however, dismissed claims that Arsenal were close to a deal for Sweden international Gyokeres, elaborating, “I am told this is not true. At the moment, Arsenal are not at that advanced stages of their negotiation for Gyokeres. They made contact on the player side already months ago, it was between April and May.
“They are also informed about the conditions of the €100 million release clause, but also the cost of the deal in terms of salary and all the rest. They have still not decided what they really want to do in that position or who is the priority target. They want to take their time to assess the options, so at the moment with Gyokeres, it is not something imminent or close, but it’s an option.”
