Arsenal double length of striker shortlist after initiating ‘background talks’ with one of three new targets
Arsenal have expanded their striker target shortlist to include Darwin Nunez, Victor Osimhen and Armando Broja, according to a report.
One of the key summer tasks at the Emirates Stadium will be to sign a centre-forward. Arsenal said goodbye to Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in the winter, when he left for Barcelona. He could be soon joined on the departures list by Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah.
Both are out of contract at the end of the season, so will be free to leave unless the club can convince them to renew. Even if the former stays, he may need younger competition.
In that regard, Arsenal have been getting increasingly ambitious when it comes to their targets. For example, they tried to compete with European heavyweights for Dusan Vlahovic in January. Ultimately, they lost out to Juventus.
The Daily Express have now provided an update on where their attention is turning to ahead of the summer. It seems they have six names on their radar, three of which appear to be new links.
According to the report, the fresh faces under consideration are Darwin Nunez of Benfica, Victor Osimhen of Napoli and Armando Broja of Chelsea (currently on loan at Southampton).
In the case of Nunez, there have supposedly been “background talks” with his agent. Arsenal would be going up against the likes of West Ham and Newcastle for the Uruguay international.
When it comes to Osimhen, though, an asking price above £80m could prove problematic.
Likewise, uncertainty about Chelsea’s ability to perform transfer business in the summer complicates Arsenal’s hopes of snaring Broja.
While the identity of Arsenal’s next centre-forward remains unclear, the Express divulge some of the characteristics that are desired.
Manager Mikel Arteta is keen to take a “dynamic” number nine who can play in a 4-3-3 system. He wants the new focal point to be comfortable with his back to goal and in behind defences.
And ideally, they are looking for a player under the age of 24.
Arsenal remember three long-term targets
The report also reflects on three names that Arsenal have already been looking at to fill their void up front.
They have looked into deals for Alexander Isak of Real Sociedad, Jonathan David of Lille and Dominic Calvert-Lewin. All remain of interest to varying degrees.
However, there are some doubts in each case. For example, Isak’s £75m release clause may be too expensive. Calvert-Lewin, meanwhile, would be a risk at a figure in a similar region after his injury issues.
There could be more optimism in a move for David, though. Arsenal met with his entourage in December and he will leave the Ligue 1 champions at the end of the season.
The key criterion for his next club is that they are of Champions League level regularly. Arsenal are aiming to get back into the competition for next season, currently looking good at fourth in the Premier League. In turn, David is said to be a “genuine option” for the Gunners.
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