As another frantic summer transfer window edges closer, Arsenal are firmly positioning themselves at the front of the queue in the hunt for an elite new striker. While rumors swirl and speculation builds, it now appears that the Gunners’ wishlist has been sharpened down to two serious contenders.
According to reports — and in particular, insights from the ever-reliable David Ornstein — Arsenal are focusing their attention on Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres and RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko. Both are dynamic, lethal forwards with massive upside, and crucially, both seem attainable compared to some of the pricier, less realistic targets circulating the rumor mill.
Let’s dig into how Mikel Arteta’s striker search is unfolding — and what this means for the Emirates faithful.
Arsenal Among Sides Chasing a Big-Name Striker This Summer
It’s no secret that Arsenal are not alone in their desire to bring in a marquee No.9.
Chelsea, Manchester United, and even Liverpool are also prowling the market, desperate to find that final piece of the puzzle in their respective attacking lines.
The Premier League’s top clubs have often been linked with the same names — a transfer battleground where the likes of Victor Osimhen, Alexander Isak, and Ivan Toney have all been tossed around.
But, as summer looms large, the picture is beginning to clear, and Arsenal’s strategy looks both ambitious and pragmatic.
Rather than getting sucked into a bidding war for players who could cost astronomical sums, Arsenal are targeting strikers who not only fit their playing style but also their financial model.
Mikel Arteta Dreaming of Alexander Isak Transfer — But Reality Bites
For a long time, Alexander Isak was seen as the dream signing.
The Swedish striker has lit up the Premier League with Newcastle United, blending electric pace with clinical finishing and silky footwork. He ticks virtually every box for an Arteta-style forward: mobile, intelligent, technical, and lethal in front of goal.
But dreams don’t always align with reality.
According to Ornstein, Arsenal have now accepted that a move for Isak is unlikely this summer. Newcastle’s valuation of their star man is sky-high, and with Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations also in mind, Arsenal are wisely choosing not to tie themselves into a potentially complicated, expensive saga.
As Ornstein explained to NBC Sports:
“I don’t think Alexander Isak is going to be realistic, nor the likes of Victor Osimhen and any other names you hear swirling around.”
It’s a sobering moment for Gunners fans — but one that underlines how smart this club’s recruitment strategy has become in the Arteta and Edu era.
Instead of chasing shiny names, Arsenal are focusing on the right names.
Viktor Gyokeres: The Ideal Fit for Arsenal?
Top of the list is Viktor Gyokeres, and for good reason.
The Swedish striker has enjoyed a sensational season at Sporting CP, ripping apart defenses in Portugal and the Europa League. His record speaks for itself: goals, assists, physical dominance, relentless pressing — he embodies everything Arteta demands from a modern-day center-forward.
What’s even more encouraging? Gyokeres is thought to be very interested in joining Arsenal.
Reports suggest the 25-year-old views a move to the Emirates as the perfect next step in his career. The price tag is rumored to be in the £60m region — not cheap, but far from the eye-watering sums associated with players like Osimhen or Isak.
Given his profile and performance level, that figure could prove to be a relative bargain in today’s inflated market.
There’s also the tactical fit to consider. Gyokeres’ ability to lead the line aggressively, link play intelligently, and still have the mobility to stretch defenses would add a whole new dimension to Arsenal’s attack — especially with Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, and Martin Odegaard supplying him.
Benjamin Sesko: Arsenal’s Young Wildcard Option
The second name on the Gunners’ shortlist is Benjamin Sesko, another supremely exciting talent.
At just 20 years old, the Slovenian striker is already turning heads across Europe with his performances for RB Leipzig. Towering at 6’4” but blessed with deceptively good feet and movement, Sesko represents a fascinating blend of physicality and technical flair.
Chelsea and Manchester United are also monitoring Sesko closely, but Arsenal’s project and style of play could be particularly attractive to a young player looking to develop at the highest level.
However, there’s a catch.
While initial reports suggested Sesko had a £60m release clause, recent claims indicate Leipzig could demand closer to £86m to part ways with their prized asset. That’s a hefty fee for a player still raw and developing, even if the potential upside is enormous.
Given Arsenal’s prudent approach to spending, it remains to be seen whether they will be willing to stretch that far.
Victor Osimhen and Others: No Longer Priority Targets
At the start of the year, Arsenal’s name was loosely linked to Victor Osimhen.
The Nigerian international, after all, is one of the most explosive strikers in world football. But with Napoli demanding a sum north of £100m, and the player himself reportedly favoring a move to Paris Saint-Germain or the Premier League’s biggest wage payers, Arsenal have cooled their interest.
Similarly, other speculative targets like Ivan Toney and Dusan Vlahovic are no longer believed to be serious considerations — at least not for now.
Instead, Arsenal are zoned in on the Gyokeres-Sesko bracket: players who are high-level performers today, with their prime still ahead of them.
What This Means for Arsenal’s Title Ambitions
There’s no sugar-coating it: if Arsenal want to dethrone Manchester City and stay ahead of challengers like Liverpool and Manchester United, they need a reliable, prolific No.9.
Gabriel Jesus, for all his excellent qualities, has struggled with injuries and isn’t the ruthless finisher Arsenal desperately need in those tight, title-defining matches.
Adding a player like Gyokeres or Sesko could transform Arteta’s side into a different beast altogether. Imagine an Arsenal front line where chances aren’t just created, but consistently finished.
It could be the missing piece of the puzzle — the final leap from “almost” to “champions.”
Final Thoughts: Arsenal Playing It Smart
While other clubs might chase headlines and splash absurd sums, Arsenal are playing it smart.
By targeting Viktor Gyokeres and Benjamin Sesko, they’re aiming for players who fit their system, their culture, and their budget — without sacrificing quality.
In the turbulent, high-stakes world of modern football transfers, that level of clarity is not just refreshing — it’s essential.
And if Arsenal do manage to land one of their two prime targets this summer, don’t be surprised if it’s the move that finally propels them back to the very top of English football.
