Arsenal are on the lookout for a new striker this summer but the prefect one has already turned them down
Manchester City striker Erling Haaland celebrates winning the Premier League (Image: Ben Roberts Photo/Getty Images)
Arsenal have turned their attentions away from the forward line for now, with Mikel Arteta and Edu prioritising midfield reinforcements in the summer transfer window. That is not to say the Gunners will not make a move for a striker later on in the window, however.
A new forward remains of interest to Arsenal, with number of players heavily linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium. Joshua Zirkzee is one, after a fine season in Serie A with Bologna, as is Artem Dovbyk from Girona.
There remain links with the likes of Ivan Toney, Alexander Isak and Victor Osimhen too, although all three will come with far heftier price tags than Zirkzee and Dovbyk.
One player who seemed to fit the bill perfectly, in terms of his ability and price tag was Benjamin Sesko. Arsenal looked odds-on to sign the Slovenian frontman, with a £55million release clause in his contract, but the 22-year-old decided instead to pen a new deal to stay with RB Leipzig in Germany.
That has encouraged Arsenal to move on to other positions in the team, somewhat. And former player David Seaman thinks he was the perfect profile for a Gunners signing this summer.
Speaking to Betway in an exclusive column during Euro 2024, Seaman said: “He’s signed a new contract with RB Leipzig, but Benjamin Sesko looks the perfect type of striker that Arsenal need. He was impressive for Slovenia against Denmark.
“I’ve talked about how they need a physically dominant No.9 who can hold the ball up, and Sesko has that Haaland-type frame. He might be staying at RB Leipzig for now, but you never know what might happen in the future. Adding a few notes usually changes things!”
Seaman believes it will remain quiet on the transfer front all the while Euro 2024 is going on. but he thinks Arsenal also need a Bukayo Saka back-up in the summer transfer window.
“When it comes to transfers, it will be quiet for most clubs until Euro 2024 is over,” he admitted. “You don’t know what sort of injuries players might pick up, so you have to wait and see a little bit.
“I still feel Arsenal need to prioritise a striker, and any midfield signings would depend on if Thomas Partey stays or goes. If he stays, then I don’t think midfield is a priority. I’d also possibly look for a back-up for Saka and more depth at centre-half. None of it is urgent, though. Arsenal don’t need a lot of new signings, just one or two in key positions.”