Advertisement

Arsenal face Santiago Gimenez decision as Gunners prepare for £45m summer striker transfer

Arsenal are set for a busy summer when it comes to the forward department.

The Gunners have had a pretty good season by most measures, having taken Manchester City to the final few games of the Premier League title race and reached the Champions League quarter-finals on their return to the competition after a seven year absence. Senior sources in the club acknowledged after last month's defeat to Bayern Munich, that they would need a killer in the box if they are to go to the next level though.

That may seem strange to say for a team that are the top scorers in the Premier League. But in the few games they have lost this season it's a lack of clinical edge that has cost them.

They have been linked to several out and out number nines as they prepare for the summer. One of those is Feyenoord striker Santiago Gimenez, who was in attendance as Arsenal ran out 3-2 winners in the North London Derby on Sunday.

Gimenez has been heavily linked to a move to Tottenham Hotspur. But reports have suggested that Spurs will not move for the Mexican.

READ MORE: Inside Thomas Partey's injury recovery as Arsenal midfielder targets Premier League success

READ MORE: David Raya reveals what Mikel Arteta said to him after huge Arsenal error in North London Derby

The likelihood is though, that the Gunners aren't going to be in the market for an out and out nine as things stand. Kai Havertz's form up front has played a big part in that. The German was signed as a midfielder, but has gone from strength to strength after being used almost exclusively as a centre forward since February.

Instead Arsenal will be in the market for a more versatile forward who can play across the front line. They would also like a younger player with Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Jesus 29 and 27 years old respectively.

There have been suggestions that Jesus will be available this summer as Arsenal seek to rejuvenate their forward line. The Brazilian has had a transformative impact since his £45m arrival in north London, but has struggled with injuries for much of this season, while his ability to finish chances continues to be an issue.

It's unlikely that Arteta will look to actively sell Jesus given the value that he has to the team. However, if the right offer comes in Arsenal may have a big decision to make.

In reality it will depend on who the Gunners could get in as a replacement. The likes of Viktor Gyokeres and Alexander Isak have been linked with moves to the Emirates Stadium this summer. Both players would be expensive though, and the competition would be fierce.

With Eddie Nketiah likely to move this summer too, it promises to be a period of transition for the Arsenal forward line. It's crucial that Arteta and Edu get their business right.