Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta wants to make as many as five signings this summer and has very clear ideas of how he and sporting director Andrea Berta will go about their business.
The Gunners have long been linked with a move for a No.9, with Benjamin Sesko and Viktor Gyokeres well established as the leading options in this area. But there are issues with getting a deal for either the RB Leipzig striker or the Sporting CP hitman over the line.
While a centre forward remains a priority for Arsenal, the Daily Mail says that a surprise move in this area should not be ruled out as details of a “packed” summer transfer window are revealed.
Striker spending to dictate Arsenal’s signings
Arsenal may not have yet completed a summer transfer, although moves for Martin Zubimendi and Kepa Arrizabalaga are close, but Arteta expects things to pick up soon.
The Spaniard wants a new striker in the squad by the time the Gunners jet out on a pre-season tour of Singapore and Hong Kong on 19 July.
How much Arsenal pay for a centre-forward will dictate the money available to them elsewhere, which is why they are being particularly careful over a move.
RB Leipzig are said to be playing hardball over Sesko, who is the Gunners’ priority, while the easy deal that was hoped for Gyokeres has not materialised.
Sporting director Andrea Berta would appear to have some reservations over Gyokeres and it is claimed that “the prospect of a surprise name entering the frame is a possibility”.
This approach has been taken to ensure that Arsenal do not overpay for a No.9.
Arsenal are targeting five players over the window as a whole, with the centre-forward set to be their third addition after Zubimendi and Kepa.
The Gunners have made a habit of completing their biggest and most important deals in July, with the likes of Ben White, Gabriel Jesus, Declan Rice and Jurrien Timber all signed during this month in previous years.
That trend is set to continue, with Arsenal still targeting a packed transfer window, despite a sluggish start.
