Arsenal have changed their transfer strategy for the summer window and identified a new priority following Benjamin Sesko’s snub.
The Gunners were one of a number of clubs carefully monitoring the striker’s situation at RB Leipzig.
Sesko, however, committed his future to the Bundesliga club by signing a new contract, believing his development would be better served by remaining at RB where he is a guaranteed starter.
Mikel Arteta’s side were regularly accused of requiring an elite level striker last season, but ended the campaign with 91 goals, only five fewer than champions Manchester City.
Kai Havertz’s influence grew substantially once he was redeployed as a false nine, while Leandro Trossard and Bukayo Saka enjoyed their best ever goalscoring campaigns.
Arteta will bank on Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli rediscovering their shooting boots next term, too, and as such Arsenal aren’t neccesserily certain to sign a new centre forward.
Instead, according to The Athletic, Arsenal will focus their attention on strengthening their midfield engine room as new priority this summer.
The success Declan Rice enjoyed when given the freedom to roam in a No.8 role is said to have convinced Arteta that a new No.6 is the area in which Arsenal should direct the majority of their transfer funds.
Arsenal have been credited with interest in the likes of Bruno Guimaraes and Amadou Onana, as well as Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi.
With Jorginho having committed to a new 12-month contract, Arsenal are likely to listen to offers for Thomas Partey who could follow the long-serving Mohamed Elneny out of the club should a suitable offer arrive.
The futures of more attack-minded players Fabio Vieira and Emilie Smith Rowe are also facing uncertain futures.
Arsenal, however, believe there are more attractive options available on the market for more defensive players who could sit at the base of their midfield and protect their already
