Arsenal fans have now been informed that Mikel Arteta still intends to strengthen his squad in one key area despite recent setback.
Arsenal have gotten used to missing out on top targets in recent years.
The Gunners were set on signing Mykhailo Mudryk, before Chelsea hijacked their move for the Ukrainian winger. This forced Mikel Arteta to pivot and chase an alternative target, in this case Leandro Trossard.
Equally, Arsenal were working on a deal for Moises Caicedo, before they were again beaten to his signature by the Blues. On that occasion, the North London club responded by prising Jorginho away from Stamford Bridge.
Just like Trossard, the midfield veteran has had a positive impact and the Emirates Stadium. Meanwhile, both Mudryk and Caicedo have struggled to consistently impress for Chelsea.
Arsenal have already missed out on one of their key targets in this summer transfer window, as their pursuit of Benjamin Sesko ultimately ended in failure. Sesko rejected a move to Arsenal, favouring to pen a new deal with his current club, RB Leipzig, instead.
Having since seen Sesko fluff his lines at a crucial moment at Euro 2024, Arsenal may now feel relieved to have missed out on securing his services.
However, Arteta is still intent on doing one thing this summer, despite this Sesko blow.
Arsenal still targeting striker signing despite Benjamin Sesko blow
According to reporter Dharmesh Sheth, speaking to GiveMeSport, in the wake of failing to land Sesko: “I don’t think much has changed in their thinking. I still think they want to bring in a forward player to complement the likes of Gabriel Jesus, Kai Havertz and Leandro Trossard.
“Maybe an out-and-out number nine, which they haven’t really had in the past couple of seasons. Many people have looked at it and thought, if they did, would they have got over the line when they were competing against Manchester City? Of course, that is an area that they do want to strengthen in.”
Do Arsenal still need a striker after emergence of Kai Havertz?
Kai Havertz was able to impress as a striker for Arsenal in the second half of the season, as the Gunners came agonisingly close to ending their 20-year wait for a Premier League title. However, more firepower is certainly needed, as neither Gabriel Jesus or Eddie Nketiah were able to be at all prolific over the course of the campaign.
Arsenal are now working on a deal for Viktor Gyokeres, though progress towards signing the Sporting striker has stalled. In any case, Sesko’s decision has not entirely derailed Arsenal’s summer plans.
Arsenal fans will now be hoping that Arteta’s second choice target can prove as successful on this occasion as they have in the past.
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