What Arteta is looking for in next Arsenal striker now revealed as targets ‘narrowed’

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Arsenal have been linked with several strikers ahead of the summer transfer window, but Mikel Arteta’s scouting parameters have now changed.

For months, there was endless talk about how Arsenal needed a world-class, or big-name centre-forward to raise the goalscoring level of their front line.

However, Arsenal’s recent form has seen them outscore everyone, racking up huge scorelines and spreading goals all around the team.

Kai Havertz has shone as a centre-forward, and Gabriel Jesus is still yet to return to full fitness, with Leandro Trossard also finding some form in front of goal.

This has now reduced the necessity of a forward to come in and become the first-choice instantly, and following links with Premier League stars such as Ivan Toney and Ollie Watkins, Arsenal are now set to change their summer strategy for their striker plans.

Arsenal to target younger strikers in the summer transfer window

Football.London have now reported that the likes of Toney may no longer be targeted, with the best young centre-forwards across the globe now being targeted by Arteta and Edu Gaspar.

“Sources have explained that the top young striker category is the parameter to which they have narrowed their search. This would encompass a number of forwards across the world’s top leagues right now but also potentially exclude several previously talked about players,” a report stated.

They state that Toney no longer fits the kind of profile Arsenal are looking at, and strikers around the age of 22 may now be looked at as longer-term high-potential options.

Which young strikers could Arsenal target?

Arsenal have been strongly linked with Viktor Gyokeres of Sporting Club De Portugal, who still represents a long-term option at 25, as well as Victor Osimhen, but it is unclear whether the Napoli star still fits into what the club have planned for the position.

There have been links to Joshua Zirkzee of Bologna, and the 22-year-old, who has shone this season, may now be a more likely target.

Previous links to Feyenoord attacker Santiago Gimenez also make more sense now, but given his potential high price, Arsenal may look elsewhere.

Benjamin Sesko of RB Lepzig now appears to be a strong target, and given his £43m release clause, he could be the ideal young forward to join as a long-term option in the summer.

It is clear that whilst Arsenal may not expect instant goals from the forward they do sign, any striker that arrives will still have a big part to play even if they are not a regular starter to begin with.