Arsenal draw up SEVEN-MAN striker shortlist

Arsenal have reportedly drawn up a seven-man transfer shortlist as they look to sign a new centre forward during the 2025 summer window.

The Gunners failed to purchase a striker last year and Mikel Merino has been deployed as an auxiliary number nine in recent weeks following injuries to Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli.

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Mikel Arteta was “disappointed” by his side’s inability to sign a new attacker in January, but the north London giants are widely expected to acquire at least one centre forward during the upcoming summer transfer window in a bid to rectify their goalscoring woes.

A number of different strikers have been linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium and Arsenal have narrowed down their search to seven names, according to Fichajes.

The Spanish outlet claim that Arsenal have identified Liam Delap (Ipswich Town), Alexander Isak (Newcastle United), Benjamin Sesko (RB Leipzig), Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa), Lautaro Martinez (Inter Milan), Samu Aghehowa (FC Porto) and Jonathan David (Lille) as their seven striker targets, with the club expected to sign one of those players this summer.

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Arsenal want a new striker

FootballTransfers understands that Sesko remains Arsenal’s top target, although the Gunners may also rekindle their interest in Watkins in a high-profile double deal.

We have been informed that Arteta is eager to sign two strikers this summer, in a bid to avoid another injury crisis derailing their season, and Sesko and Watkins are set to be targeted.

Isak has also been heavily linked with a move to north London, but Newcastle United are reluctant to sell the Sweden international and it’s believed that a fee in excess of €180 million may be needed to sign him this summer.

Furthermore, FootballTransfers has been told that Isak is open to signing a new contract at St James’ Park, although he will ask for a release clause to be included in the deal.