The focus of Arsenal’s summer will be securing a new striker to spearhead Mikel Arteta’s side next season.
Kai Havertz has been brilliant at times for Arsenal but the Gunners also need a natural goalscorer to complement the German — someone who can score 20 league goals in a season.
Arteta seemingly has plans to use Havertz as a midfielder next season once a new striker comes in, the position he was originally earmarked for.
In terms of those linked with the club, Andrea Berta loves Viktor Gyokeres at Sporting CP, a striker who he seems determined to bring to north London.
Alexander Isak remains Arsenal’s first choice in an ideal world, but the Swede seems unlikely to leave Newcastle United.
Although, Arsenal have seemingly identified a similar alternative playing in the Bundesliga.
Hugo Ekitike has decided to leave Eintracht Frankfurt
Soon after Berta’s arrival as the club’s new sporting director, Arsenal held talks with Hugo Ekitike at Eintracht Frankfurt.
Ekitike has had a brilliant season in the Bundesliga and he’s proven why Paris Saint-Germain identified his talent back in Ligue 1.
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The 22-year-old wasn’t able to showcase his talent at PSG but he’s proven that he does have the potential to become one of Europe’s most feared strikers whilst at Frankfurt.
That being said, journalist Florian Plettenberg has now confirmed that Ekitike is planning to leave Frankfurt this summer.
The club want to keep the Frenchman but he’s keen to try something new, and as a result, the German side are demanding €100m (£84m) for the striker.
Arsenal have been scouting Ekitike regularly of late, and although Gyokeres’ name seems to be mentioned with the Gunners the most right now, he’s certainly one to keep an eye on.
Viktor Gyokeres might be the wrong choice for Arsenal
Working with Arteta over the coming weeks and months, Berta’s decision on who to sign as Arsenal’s next big striker could be definitive for his whole time at the club.
Arsenal have waited so long to invest significant funds into a number nine — Arteta has only bought two since he arrived in north London.
Gyokeres might not be the right fit for Arsenal, a conversation that is being had among the club’s fan base.
However, Berta seems convinced about Gyokeres and perhaps Arteta will ultimately greenlight a move for the Swedish striker.
Ekitike might be a better choice for Arsenal in the long-run, but at the same time, the Gunners need someone who can succeed right here, right now.
