Transfer Talk: Attacking additions can fire Gunners to new heights

Arsenal have been linked with a host of forwards ahead of the summer transfer window.

With Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah’s contracts set to expire at the end of this campaign, attacking reinforcements will be top of Mikel Arteta’s wish list.

We take a look at who the Gunners could sign ahead of their crunch clash with Newcastle tonight.

Gabriel Jesus

Perhaps the most likely striker to be wearing the red and white of Arsenal next season is Gabriel Jesus.

The Brazilian’s opportunities at the Etihad look set to be diminished next term following Manchester City’s capture of Erling Haaland from Borussia Dortmund and he would almost certainly be a regular starter up front for the Gunners.

Despite Pep Guardiola’s apparent willingness to let him leave, Jesus has managed eight goals and eight assists in the top flight this season.

And with 95 strikes across his Citizens career, the 25-year-old would undoubtedly be an upgrade on Arteta’s current options as an experienced goalscorer.

Raheem Sterling

Another City star who looks set to move on this summer is Raheem Sterling.

The England international has just one year left to run on his contract and has previously voiced concerns about his playing time.

Before the first leg of City’s Champions League semi-final against Real Madrid, the 27-year-old hinted at a decision at the end of the campaign.

He said: “At the minute I’m just happy to be playing, happy to be contributing with the team. I think that’s the most important thing.

“At this period, I think it would be selfish of me to speak of any contract situation and I’m just happy to be playing football and see where we are at the end of the season.”

Arsenal have been touted as one of a number of clubs interested in the forward’s signature should he leave Manchester.

Marquinhos

Arsenal are reportedly close to securing their first signing of the summer — Sao Paulo wide man Marquinhos.

The Brazilian, 19, primarily plays on the right flank where he can cut in on to his favoured left foot.

However, unless the teenager forces his way into Arteta’s first-team plans in pre-season, the attacker appears to be one for the future and may go out on loan to aid his development.

If he does make the squad, he will have to compete with Premier League Player of the Season nominee Bukayo Saka for a spot in the starting XI.

Paulo Dybala

Another forward on the market is Juventus’ Paulo Dybala, who is out of contract at the end of the campaign.

The Argentina international, 28, has been heavily linked with a move to Serie A rivals Inter Milan — but reports suggest the Emirates could be a potential destination, should Arsenal secure Champions League football next season.

Dybala, who has 10 league goals this term, is able to operate up front, as a No10 or out wide, so could be a versatile weapon for Arteta.

Charles De Ketelaere

Even if Arsenal do land Jesus, the potential departures of Lacazette and Nketiah would leave the Gunners requiring a second centre-forward to provide competition and cover.

Club Brugge’s Charles De Ketelaere would fit the profile of player Arteta will be looking for — as last summer’s transfer activity revealed, there is now a focus at the North London club on younger talents with plenty of experience.

Belgian ace De Ketelaere has racked up over 100 senior club games despite being just 21.

Arteta has frequently asked Lacazette to drop deep and link play but the veteran striker lacks the dynamism to get back in the box and aerial presence to pose a serious threat.