Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has set a tentative deadline for the purchase of a new striker, according to journalist Isaan Khan.
The Gunners are in the transfer market for a marquee centre-forward. They have been heavily linked with two players in particular.
RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko and Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres are the leading names. It is reported that the former is the priority.
Leipzig are driving a hard bargain for Sesko, knowing that the Gunners are desperate for a new striker.
Arsenal are reluctant to spend over their budget and therefore, there has been a delay in negotiations.
Gyokeres is the alternative target on their radar, but there are already reservations internally over him.
Arsenal are not close to signing either marksman, and a surprise name could yet enter the fray.
Arteta wants a new centre-forward on board before Arsenal fly out for their pre-season tour of Singapore and Hong Kong on July 19.
Arsenal need new striker on board for pre-season tour
The Gunners have been very active this week. They have secured deals to sign goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga and midfielder Christian Norgaard.
Arrizabalaga should prove a good deputy for David Raya between the sticks following an impressive season on loan at Bournemouth from Chelsea.
The Spaniard made 97 saves in the league last term. He had a save success rate of 73.9 percent, which was the fourth best in the division behind Raya (74.2).
Meanwhile, Norgaard is set to replace midfielder Thomas Partey, who will leave on a free transfer when his contract expires at the end of the month.
The Dane has vast Premier League experience and leadership skills. He should act as a quality backup to new signing Martin Zubimendi in the number six role.
Arsenal now need to integrate a marquee striker on board for the pre-season tour of Asia.
The Gunners have been handed a tough start to the 2025/26 Premier League campaign with Manchester United, Liverpool, Manchester City and Newcastle United to face in the opening six games.
The club take on United in the curtain-raiser at Old Trafford and have a trip to Anfield before the first international break. Shortly after the restart, they face City and Newcastle in back-to-back matches.
With such a hectic schedule, Arsenal need their new striker in the best form and shape. The club face AC Milan, Newcastle and Tottenham Hotspur in Asia. The friendlies should act as good preparation.
Hopefully, Arsenal will meet the manager’s request and put an end to the striker saga soon.
Stats from Fbref.com
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