Andrea Berta has predominantly whittled Arsenal’s striker search down to two names: Viktor Gyokeres or Benjamin Sesko.
In an ideal world, Arsenal would simply pluck Alexander Isak from Newcastle United’s clutches, but the striker is essentially off-limits at St James’ Park.
Therefore, Berta has been spending a ton of time exploring alternatives with the club’s scouting team.
And whilst the likes of Dusan Vlahovic or Hugo Ekitike have been mentioned, it’s Gyokeres and Sesko who have prevailed.
In fact, Arsenal have held talks with Sesko recently to explore a move, and they’ve also visited Portugal on more than one occasion too.
Andrea Berta ‘working hard’ to find the right striker for Arsenal
With that in mind, TBR Football chief correspondent Graeme Bailey has provided the latest on Arsenal’s striker search.
Bailey confirmed that Arsenal were working diligently to find a new striker and explained how they might ultimately choose between Gyokeres or Sesko, should it come down to the duo.
Bailey told TBR: “Arsenal are working hard on strikers, they have been for months and Berta has come in and made sure that no stone is left unturned.
“When he came in he wanted to make sure that Arsenal were happy with what they had found out thus far, on all their targets, not just the forwards.
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“Whilst the club’s checks have continued, Berta has also been working hard and has been in contact with targets, talking to the players and their camps to assess different situations.
“Benjamin Sesko and Viktor Gyokeres have taken up much of his time in that respect.
“Arsenal and Berta want their plans to be in place to move early in the summer. Gyokeres and Sesko are certainly at the forefront of their thinking. But work has been ongoing with a number of names.
“Whether Arsenal choose Gyokeres or Sesko is determined by which path they go down — ready to go plug and play number nine or someone with potentially a higher ceiling but may need more time to settle. That is part of the conversations the club is having.
“Berta and Arsenal know the names out there – Osimhen, Vlahovic, Ekitike, Delap – there isn’t a top striker, who they don’t know about.”
Arsenal are also looking for a new winger
In addition to a striker, Berta has also recognised the need to sign a right-footed left winger — someone to replace either Gabriel Martinelli or Leandro Trossard.
Neither are up to Bukayo Saka’s standards, and whilst that’s an almost impossible barometer, Arsenal have identified the area as one to upgrade.
Therefore Arsenal have long-standing interest in Nico Williams which predates Berta’s arrival.
However, Berta has held talks with Williams in an attempt to push through a deal this summer, one that hasn’t been easy in the past.
And in addition, Arsenal also like Jamie Gittens at Borussia Dortmund, the latest Englishman who is thriving in the Bundesliga.
