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Arsenal could enter the transfer market for a young striker this summer.
The Gunners currently have Kai Havertz, Viktor Gyokeres and Gabriel Jesus as their centre-forward options. Jesus’ contract expires in June next year, and Arsenal have quoted around £20 million to part ways with the Brazil international.
If he were to depart, the Premier League champions could place their emphasis on landing a young marksman, who could be prepared to play backup to Gyokeres and Havertz. Here are three possible candidates that the Gunners could target.
Nicolo Tresoldi – Club Brugge
The 21-year-old signed for Club Brugge from Hannover last summer and had a brilliant debut season with 23 goals across all competitions. Out of that tally, four came in the Champions League. He scored against Barcelona and Atletico to further build his reputation.
The German youth international was ‘very close’ to making the World Cup squad. Julian Nagelsmann described him as a ‘real‘ striker. Gunners sporting director Andrea Berta has reportedly begun talks with Brugge, which suggests Arsenal could recruit the £26 million ace.
Christian Kofane – Bayer Leverkusen
Kofane had a decent debut season for Leverkusen, having signed from Albacete. The teenager notched up five goals and five assists in all competitions. The Cameroonian star had his best moments of the season during the double-legged round of 16 tie against Arsenal.
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The 19-year-old got the better of William Saliba physically on multiple occasions, which is somewhat of a rarity. He proved a handful during the first leg at Leverkusen and impressed at the Emirates Stadium too. David Raya pulled off a world-class save to deny the youngster.
Leverkusen are set to demand at least £52m for Kofane’s sale. Arsenal have a good working relationship with Leverkusen, having signed defender Piero Hincapie on loan last summer with a conditional obligation to buy for £45m. A similar deal would suit the Gunners.
Junior Kroupi – Bournemouth
The Frenchman took the Premier League by storm last season. He started off as a regular substitute for the Cherries, but became a key figure from the starting XI after the mid-season exit of Antoine Semenyo to Manchester City.
Kroupi played as either a centre-forward or an attacking midfielder behind Evanilson. He was equally good in both roles and made a huge impression, scoring some crucial goals en route to Europa League qualification for his club.
He ended the campaign with 13 goals from just 1,683 league minutes. He showed his big-game potential, scoring against Arsenal, Manchester United and Manchester City. The Gunners are big admirers of him, but he won’t come on the cheap and will cost at least £80m. Kroupi could be reluctant to accept a rotational role too.