Arsenal have repeatedly been linked with a move for a new centre-forward, with Gabriel Jesus and Edward Nketiah struggling to produce significant numbers.
While Arsenal have been reluctant to splash the cash on a new striker, it appears they’re finally ready to reinforce that department next summer, but for different reasons.
Jesus has struggled with a recurring knee problem, and the Daily Mail reports that the Gunners are keen to manage the persistent issue until the end of the season to avoid another setback.
However, there are also plans to replace the Brazilian forward next summer with four players on Arsenal’s radar, including Ivan Toney, Victor Osimhen, Joshua Zirkzee and Viktor Gyokeres.
Jesus hasn’t featured for Arsenal since his man-of-the-match performance in the 2-1 victory over Nottingham Forest at City Ground on January 30.
He returned to the team sheet for the first time during the 4-1 mauling of Newcastle United at the Emirates Stadium, although he was an unused substitute.
The 26-year-old is hopeful of reclaiming his place in the starting line-up when Arsenal take on Sheffield United at Bramall Lane. But the club doctors are adopting a cautious approach to his workload to avoid aggravating the knee issue.
Jesus has continuously battled knee problems since joining Arsenal last season, and those injury concerns are among the factors behind the club’s decision to recruit a new striker this summer.
Arsenal could finally act on their long-standing interest in Brentford striker Toney, who has reiterated his willingness to join the north Londoners next summer.
His £100m price tag may put off the Gunners, but they’ll need around the same figure to land Napoli hitman Victor Osimhen, who has a €120 million release clause in his contract with the Italian champions.
Sporting are also unwilling to sanction a departure for their highly rated striker Gyokeres unless his €100m release clause is activated.
Zirkzee is the only cost-effective solution to Arsenal’s striker dilemma in the four-man shortlist, but they’ll need to fork out around £50m to get a deal for the ex-Bayern Munich starlet over the line.
