Arsenal’s 6 striker transfer targets this summer – ranked

What will Arsenal do this summer? Sign players of course! Specifically a striker or two, with the list of targets thought to be on the list ranging anywhere from four to double figures.

It’s difficult to pinpoint exactly who the club are after, with various sources offering different names on a daily basis, but we can build a semi-factual group of strikers Mikel Arteta and co may be after.

There are some names who are being heavily linked without much other than vague outlets name-dropping, therefore it isn’t entirely fair to list them as a centre-forward target just yet.

Among those that supporters are most familiar with, and those with some relatively strong links, are Alexander Isak, Jonathan David, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Darwin Nunez, Victor Osimhen, and Cody Gakpo. They aren’t alone, mind you.

Arsenal’s 6 striker transfer targets this summer – ranked

Most notable is the various profiles on show.

Pinpointing exactly what it is that Arsenal need is subjective. Some may prefer the Alexandre Lacazette type who can act as a deeper central axis, or others would prefer a taller, more domineering No. 9 with running power and a natural eye for goal.

Or, maybe a little bit of everything wouldn’t go amiss.

Leaning on the subjective, of course, here are six of the Gunners’ – supposedly main – striker targets ranked from least desired to most desired.

Note: ‘least desired’ doesn’t mean ‘not desired’, and these are just the players currently being linked

6. Alexander Isak – Real Sociedad

What a fall from grace.

If this was a list being made 12 months ago then there wouldn’t be much argument about Alexander Isak being near the very top. The archetypal modern centre-forward, the Swede is someone who can stretch the lines with his powerful and quick strides, drop off and link the play, drift wide and run the channels, and has predatory instincts in the box.

This, however, was 12 months ago.

Gradually his stock has fallen. Netting 17 goals in 34 La Liga outings last season and then following that up with some impressive outings at the Euros, his goals have dried up considerably.

There were strong links – at least from the media – to Isak over the winter period, and yet we’re now looking at a striker who has netted one goal from open play in La Liga since October. Having waxed lyrical (many times) about his exceptional technical ability, development potential and suitability to Arsenal’s style, the bottom line is that he isn’t scoring anywhere near enough goals.

Watching over 18 hours of Lacazette not scoring from open play hammers home the important aspects.

What keeps him alive in the conversation is knowing the talent this lad possesses. This barren patch may not last. However, his general form has dipped and with the substantial release clause he has – one that Arsenal should never have paid – unless there is a heavy reduction on that figure then eyes should be fixed elsewhere.

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