Transfer Talk: Five strikers who can shoot Gunners back into the big time

Though Arsenal have been prolific in their recent Premier League outings, talk of summer strengthening in the striker department continues to gather pace.

Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah are widely expected to exit the Emirates at the end of next month, less than six months on from Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s sudden departure to Barcelona.

Boss Mikel Arteta, who has signed a new contract to stay in North London until at least July 2025, has made no secret of his desire to add to his frontline either.

Ahead of the Gunners’ clash with Leeds — another crucial game in the top-four race — we run the rule over several forwards thought to be on the North London club’s radar.

Lautaro Martinez

Established as one of Serie A’s most fantastic finishers, Lautaro Martinez continues to be linked with a Premier League switch.

The Argentine forward, 24, has bagged 61 goals for Inter Milan across all competitions since the start of the 2019-20 campaign and certainly fits the bill in terms of the reliable No9 Arsenal are supposedly seeking.

Recent reports have suggested the Gunners are keen, with the prospect of Champions League qualification offering a potential advantage over fellow suitors Manchester United.

However, Martinez’s agent has recently reaffirmed his client’s commitment to his Italian employers and even if he was to become available, there would surely be interest far and wide in his services.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin

One name that has persistently been linked with Arsenal in recent times is out-of-form Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin — and an agreement certainly appears feasible.

Plagued by a mixture of injuries and his current side’s poor performances this term, the 25-year-old England international is remarkably without a goal since August in all competitions.

Should Everton fail to beat the drop, Calvert-Lewin would almost certainly be sold to help alleviate some of the club’s significant losses and could even be available for a cut-price figure.

What remains to be seen, however, is whether his recent lack of fitness and form has convinced Mikel Arteta and other club chiefs to look elsewhere.

Gabriel Jesus

Despite being showered with praise by Pep Guardiola in recent weeks, Gabriel Jesus could still depart Manchester City this summer in search of more regular playing time.

Having bagged six goals in his last three appearances for the Citizens, the 25-year-old Brazilian would be a sure-fire starter at most clubs yet remains only a bit-part player at the Etihad.

With City’s embarrassment of attacking riches expected to soon expand further with the capture of Erling Haaland, rumours suggest Jesus will consider his options as he enters the final year of his contract.

Arteta would dearly love to bring him to North London and with City supposedly willing to do business around the £40million mark, the Gunners will consider themselves firmly in the race.

Victor Osimhen

If Arsenal are to break the bank on a new line-leader, Napoli marksman Victor Osimhen clearly merits consideration.

Nigerian international Osimhen, 23, has still managed to rack up 17 goals in all competitions despite a cheekbone fracture which has forced him to play in a protective mask since his January return.

The Italians had to fork out nearly £70m to lure him away from Lille in 2019 and his value has only increased since, meaning a fee north of £84m will be required for talks to advance.

But with the forward reportedly bullish on a move to the Emirates, that outlay could prove a shrewd long-term investment to secure one of world football’s emerging talents.

Tammy Abraham

Tammy Abraham has flourished since departing English shores last summer — but if recent reports are to be believed, the ex-Chelsea star could soon be back in the Premier League.

The 24-year-old Cobham graduate has bagged 25 times for Jose Mourinho’s Roma side this season, including nine goals in their run to the Europa Conference League final.

Whispers over a return to his homeland have gathered momentum in recent weeks and Abraham was reluctant to rule out a summer switch when asked about his future.