Arsenal hold Darwin Nunez talks as part of 6-striker shortlist

Arsenal have seen the vast majority of their squad jet off on international duty this week, with just five members of the senior group staying behind. Two of them are strikers. The only two strikers on the books.

Does that tell us anything? It explains a little, as it acts as a reminder of where the quality in the squad needs to be raised.

Across Europe there is an ever deepening pool of talent the club could pinch over the summer. In the case of almost all of them it will cost Arsenal a small fortune, with few bargains in sight, which is something that is to be expected given the calibre of centre-forward wanted.

Elite talent, or at least someone well on his way to that level, is what this team needs in order to explode. The transition from ‘very good team’ to ‘excellent team’ can be bridged with addition of genuine quality at No. 9.

Arsenal hold Darwin Nunez talks with Benfica as Mikel Arteta draws up 6-player shortlist of summer transfer window striker targets

As per Ryan Taylor of the Express, the well documented trio of Real Sociedad’s Alexander Isak, Jonathan David of Lille and Everton’s Dominic Calvert-Lewin remain players of interest. In the case of all three their form hasn’t been as alluring in 2022, although the latter get some respite because he plays under Frank Lampard and has suffered with injuries.

Other names have made it on the list, such as Benfica’s Darwin Nunez, Victor Osimhen of Napoli and Southampton loanee Armando Broja, with the net being cast further afield for what is set to be a marquee addition in the history of Arsenal. This signing can truly be of that magnitude.

For that reason, they best get it right. On who, though? Well, the report states that background talks have been held – meaning what, exactly? – with the agent of Nunez, who is one of Europe’s in form strikers at the moment with 26 goals across 33 matches in all competitions this season.

Four of those have come in the Champions League, including the crucial winning goal against Ajax to set up a quarter-final tie with Liverpool.

The 22-year-old is explosive, powerful, physically imposing and quick. His goals for Benfica this season have demonstrated an array of finishing techniques, all neatly tucked under the composed file. Whoever comes in needs to have a killer instinct about him in front of (we just want goals) and be willing to bust a gut for the team. All of which he provides.

Boasting a hungry presence at No. 9, someone to complement Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, Emile Smith Rowe and Martin Odegaard, but also play for them with speed to get in behind and stretch as well as physical prowess to open spaces, is the kind of striker this side needs.

Nunez has many of the tools. But, of course, no player is perfect and there is – to always put a positive spin on matters – some development potential there. Technically he isn’t always the cleanest and this can filter into his hold-up play, which can be frustrating at times due to its lack of security.

While the report has no mention of a fee or how strong the interest from Arsenal is, back in January it was revealed that West Ham failed with £42m bid, and other fleeting reports say as much as £65m+ might be needed in order to secure his signature.

Under contract until 2025 and producing the goods on the biggest club stage of all, one can expect something around that price to be what it will take. With still some months to go before Arsenal can start making any of their interest truly felt, the performances of Nunez, Osimhen, Broja, Isak, David and Calvert-Lewin will be fascinating to keep an eye on.