Arsenal in the Market for a Proven Striker as £54m Target Considers London Move

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has clearly communicated his desire to the club’s management to sign a striker during the summer transfer window. The Gunners have shortlisted a highly-rated forward who is keen on moving to London.

Andrea Berta Expected to Become Arsenal Director, Striker Search Underway

Recent reports suggest that Andrea Berta, formerly a key figure in transfers at Atlético Madrid, is likely to become Arsenal’s new sporting director. This follows Edu Gaspar’s departure from the director role in November.

Arsenal closely monitoring ‘excellent’ £25m striker who’s ‘the new Lautaro’

Arsenal might have an advantage in signing this forward.

It is understood that Andrea Berta has agreed to join Arsenal and is finalizing the paperwork to become the sporting director. He has been learning English since January and has always preferred a Premier League position. Arsenal had him as their top choice from a list of five candidates to replace Edu (Ben Jacobs).

According to Fabrizio Romano, all necessary documents are ready for Berta to sign and become Arsenal’s sporting director. One of his primary tasks will be to find a suitable and attainable centre-forward for Arteta before the next season.

GiveMeSport reports that Berta has already identified four attacking targets for Arsenal and has started preliminary work on signing RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko. Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak is also a prominent option on their list.

Furthermore, there are reports suggesting Arsenal has scheduled discussions with Victor Osimhen’s representatives. Some reports even indicate that Arsenal is prepared to pay his £62 million release clause (Daily Trust).

Other notable targets linked to Arsenal include Sporting Lisbon’s Viktor Gyokeres and Atalanta’s Ademola Lookman.

Ademola Lookman has been impressive for Atalanta in Serie A for the past two seasons, playing as both a second striker and a centre-forward. However, he recently had a disagreement with his manager regarding penalty duties.

Sky Sports has since reported that Ademola Lookman is likely to leave Atalanta in the summer due to internal issues, and Arsenal is said to have made contact.

Ademola Lookman Reportedly Keen on London Move Amidst Arsenal Interest

TEAMtalk states that Lookman is indeed on Arsenal’s transfer shortlist, and the player is reportedly very interested in a move to London.

This interest comes as Arteta has specifically requested a new striker from Arsenal’s management. Sources have confirmed that Lookman is being considered alongside Sesko and Gyokeres.

However, Arsenal faces competition from Chelsea and Barcelona for Lookman’s signature. Barcelona is believed to have already approached his agents as they seek a long-term replacement for Robert Lewandowski.

Reports suggest Atalanta will demand around £54 million for Lookman this summer. The former Fulham and Everton player scored a hat-trick in the Europa League final last year against Bayer Leverkusen, ending their unbeaten season. He has continued his strong performance this season, scoring 18 goals and providing seven assists in 31 appearances across all competitions.