Lautaro Martinez and Richarlison among 10 strikers on Arsenal’s summer shopping list

Graeme Bailey
9 March 2022

Youssef En-Nesyri Lautaro Martinez Marcus Rashford

The Gunners are pushing for a top-four finish under Mikel Arteta but no matter their final league position, acquiring at least one new striker is a priority for the summer.

Arsenal jettisoned Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in January and loaned out Folarin Balogun to Middlesbrough, leaving them with just Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah as recognised forwards.

With the duo out of contract in the summer, the Gunners' striking ranks may be further depleted come July. Planet Sport takes a close look at the 10 most likely options to plug Arsenal's gaping forward hole.

Youssef En-Nesyri - Sevilla

A player we know is very close to the top of the wanted list is En-Nesyri, who Arsenal have been tracking for a couple of years.

The 24-year-old Moroccan is not enjoying the best of seasons, but he is a top prospect and would carry a price-tag of around £40million. It wouldn't be a surprise to see him turn up in north London.

West Ham also remain keen, having bid for him in early 2021 and they aren't the only Premier League team interested.

Lautaro Martinez - Inter Milan

Game on?

What a goal that is from Lautaro Martinez! pic.twitter.com/ZSzYBC4SPr
— TEAMtalk (@TEAMtalk) March 8, 2022

The Inter Milan star signed a new contract in October but that was believed to be to maintain his value and, with Romelu Lukaku leaving last summer, a move in 2021 was never likely.

Martinez is keen on a move to England and Arsenal are very interested in the brilliant Argentine.

Tottenham and Manchester City are also keeping tabs on the striker but if the Gunners want to push the boat out, Martinez would be their main target.

Alexander Isak - Real Sociedad

The 22-year-old Real Sociedad star is another who signed a long-term deal in 2021, but Arsenal like him a lot.

The Gunners did speak about him in January, so he is very much likely to be on their list of targets - but he won't come cheap.

He has a release clause of £75million which Arsenal won't be paying, but at least £50million will be needed. However, the Swedish star has a huge upside and looks a very good fit for Mikel Arteta's side.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin - Everton

Another long-term target for Arsenal, the Everton and England striker is an intriguing option. Has been part of a struggling Toffees team and that has hampered his progress this season.

If he does leave Goodison Park, it is hard not see a heightened interest in the 24-year-old from Arsenal. Unlikely to be their first choice but could be one of their more attainable targets.

Richarlison - Everton

The Brazilian is brilliant on his day and Arsenal sporting chief Edu is understood to be a huge fan - Richarlison moving to the Emirates was seen as a likely option by the player's agents.

A target for Paris Saint-Germain in January, it won't be an easy pick-up for the Gunners but he is certainly one of the most intriguing.

Jonathan David - Lille

The US-born Canadian star is a player Arsenal are fond of, but would the Gunners go to France for another big-money arrival after the failure of Nicolas Pepe? Hard to see, but David is a very different player.

Marcus Rashford - Manchester United

It has emerged that the England star could be surplus to requirements under Ralf Rangnick, who although not the next manager of Manchester United will be moving upstairs.

If Rashford is available then Arsenal could very well be the landing spot for him.

Darwin Nunez - Benfica

The 22-year-old Uruguayan superstar was in demand in January and as one of the top scorers in Europe, it is not surprising.

Not strongly linked to Arsenal, but is one to keep an eye on. Luis Diaz has done remarkable things since joining Liverpool from Porto, so it wouldn't be a huge shock to see Arsenal take a gamble on another Primeira Liga prospect.

Ollie Watkins - Aston Villa

Another English name on the list, but an interesting one. Suggestions are that he could be surplus to requirements under Steven Gerrard at Villa Park.

Would someone potentially not wanted at Villa fit the bill at Arsenal? It is not too far-fetched.

Raul de Tomas - Espanyol

The Spanish international is not a household name, but the 27-year-old has enjoyed a brilliant campaign in La Liga. Depending on how things go with the bigger targets on their list, he could well emerge as a major target for Arsenal.