Arsenal are believed to be among the “most active” competitors in the race to sign a very in-form forward, and he’s now seriously considering a summer exit in what could be a boost for Mikel Arteta‘s side.
Arsenal shortlist attacking targets for summer window
If recent injuries are anything to go by, the Gunners could use an extra option or two in the final third of the pitch.
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Gabriel Jesus’ season-ending ACL rupture, now combined with Kai Havertz’s own season-ending torn hamstring, which the German sustained during their warm-weather training camp in Dubai, leaves Arteta desperately short of forward options as they bid to catch Liverpool in the Premier League title race.
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Arsenal’s next five Premier League games |
Date |
|---|---|
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Leicester City (away) |
February 15th |
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West Ham (home) |
February 22nd |
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Nottingham Forest (away) |
February 26th |
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Man United (away) |
March 9th |
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Chelsea (home) |
March 16th |
Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli’s pending returns will come as a much-needed boost, but neither winger is expected back until next month, forcing Arteta to get creative as Arsenal are plunged into an injury crisis.
In the background, interim sporting director Jason Ayto and the Gunners recruitment team are plotting ways to ensure they’re not left too short in the attacking third next campaign.
Arsenal are expected to have a busy summer, according to reliable journalist Charles Watts, with many high-profile names on their list of targets.
Athletic Bilbao starlet Nico Williams, RB Leipzig starlet Benjamin Sesko and Newcastle United star Alexander Isak are all attracting serious interest from Arsenal (Charles Watts), but all of these players will be difficult to acquire both financially and due to the intense competition for their signatures.
There have even been claims this week that Arsenal are targeting Liverpool forward Diogo Jota, while Borussia Dortmund star Karim Adeyemi has also found his way on to Arteta’s transfer shortlist.
“Arsenal want somebody who can play on the wing as well as through the middle, and he fits that mould,” said former Premier League scout Mick Brown on Arsenal’s interest in Jota.
“But he still scores goals and he’s very effective. He would give Mikel Arteta’s side something they haven’t got at the moment.”
Ademola Lookman considers Atalanta exit after Arsenal express interest
Another attacking player who fits that mould of a versatile forward, who can play a variety of roles, is Atalanta star Ademola Lookman.
The former Everton and Leicester City ace can be deployed as a second striker, a traditional centre-forward, out wide and as a CAM – making him a very enticing prospect for Arteta.
Journalist Mirko Di Natale reports that Lookman is seriously thinking about leaving Atalanta as Arsenal express a serious interest, alongside both Chelsea and Juventus, with his price tag set at around £50 million.
Lookman has racked up 14 goals in 27 appearances across all competitions, and famously ended Bayer Leverkusen’s extensive unbeaten run last season with a hat-trick against Xabi Alonso’s side in the Europa League final.
