Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta will be fully aware that this summer transfer window is an important one for the Gunners.
In the past two seasons, his side have pushed Manchester City close but have ultimately missed out on the title. For their first attempt at unseating City, the Gunners collapsed dramatically and disappointingly to end up completely off the pace come the end of the season.
In this campaign, Arsenal appeared to learn their lessons and managed to push City all the way to the final day. However, a slip-up against Aston Villa during the run-in ultimately cost them and the Gunners had to settle for runners-up again.
What will be encouraging for Arsenal is that they are showing progress. Arteta’s side were able to compete in the Champions League on their return to the elite European competition.
But Arsenal need to find that extra one per cent which can push them over the line and Arteta will hope it is a case of third time’s the charm. To close that small margin, the Gunners will most likely look to the summer transfer market to see who can add quality to their team.
A centre-forward is expected to be top of their list in the summer as while goals were not an issue, the recognised strikers in the squad did not bring the hauls expected. A winger to accompany the variety of forward options at the club could also be targeted while central midfield is expected to be strengthened.
Ivan Toney, Brentford – 13/8
Toney’s teammate David Raya is expected to make his switch to Arsenal permanent this summer and the English forward could join him according to the bookies. The striker seems destined to leave the Bees especially if he has a good Euros and it appears Arsenal are well in the race to sign him.
Benjamin Sesko, RB Leipzig – 7/4
Reports last week suggested Sesko had decided to join Arsenal this summer so it is no surprise to see him as one of the favourites to join the club. Last season, he bagged 18 goals in 42 appearances for the Bundesliga side.
Victor Osimhen, Napoli – 4/1
Like Toney, Osimhen is almost certainly leaving his club this transfer window. The Nigerian has become a consistent goalscoring threat in Serie A and Napoli’s president believes he will move to the Premier League or PSG.
Alexander Isak, Newcastle United – 5/1
There was a lot of talk surrounding Arsenal’s interest in Isak last month but that appears to have softened in recent weeks. Still, he fits the profile of centre-forward Arteta would like to add to his squad.
Pedro Neto, Wolverhampton Wanderers – 5/1
The first non-centre-forward to make it onto the list is Neto. Wolves’ star winger continued to impress this season despite injuries and the West Midlands club’s precarious financial situation means he could be a player on the move this summer.
