Arsenal identify NINE-MAN transfer shortlist to solve Arteta’s biggest problem

Arsenal have drawn up a shortlist of nine potential summer signings as Mikel Arteta looks to sign at least one new forward ahead of the 2025-26 campaign.

The Gunners boast the best defensive record in the entire Premier League so far this season, but they have scored fewer goals than Liverpool, Newcastle United and Manchester City, and Arteta is eager to rectify this.

As a result, Arsenal are pursuing a plethora of attackers from across world football and The Athletic have confirmed that nine forwards are being monitored by the north London giants.

Alexander Isak, Viktor Gyokeres, Benjamin Sesko, Ollie Watkins, Hugo Ekitike and Joao Pedro are Arsenal’s six striker targets, while the club have identified Nico Williams, Rodrygo and Jamie Gittens as possible options amid their push to bring a new left winger to the Emirates Stadium.

FootballTransfers understands that Arsenal are currently prioritising moves for Gyokeres and Williams, however, with new sporting director Andrea Berta a huge fan of the former in particular.

Alexander Isak unlikely to join Arsenal

Isak remains a dream target for Arteta, but Newcastle are reluctant to sell the Sweden star and Eddie Howe admitted his annoyance at constant transfer speculation surrounding the 25-year-old ahead of his side’s clash against Arsenal on Sunday.

“It is a frustration because I don’t see why our players are getting linked here, there and everywhere with other clubs,” Howe told reporters.

“I’d like to think the players are happy here. I’d like to think again that they’re seeing us grow and develop into a team that hopefully can compete at the top end of the division.”

Isak has scored 27 goals in 41 appearances across all competitions for Newcastle so far this season, but a move to Arsenal is unlikely to take place due to the fact his contract at St James’ Park isn’t due to expire until 2028 and the fact he is valued at around €150m by his current employers.

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