Chelsea troubles with Alexander Isak deal deliver Arsenal transfer clarity over striker move

News that Chelsea might make a move for Alexander Isak was quickly quashed as the Blues’ search for a new striker goes on. Arsenal too have been looking to strengthen their attacking options as the Swedish international was one of Mikel Arteta’s favourite candidates but the financial obstacles to sign him have simply been too great.

Even Chelsea, a side whose spending has broken records and raised eyebrows across the league and the world are seemingly priced out of a move for Isak. This is the reality for Arsenal in this market for key positions and unlike previous summers where there were more guarantees regarding investment that simply is not the case in 2024.

The early indications surrounding interest in Benjamin Sesko were the first signs of how the summer might progress for Arsenal. A 20-year-old with one season in one of Europe’s top five leagues where the Slovenian only broke into RB Leipzig’s starting eleven in the second half of the campaign was a leading candidate – much to do with his then £55.6million release clause.

However, after he signed a deal with Leipzig and extended his tenure with the German club this has slowed the Gunners’ process to sign a forward. Links have emerged regarding Viktor Gyokeres but the priority for Arsenal remains a central midfielder, football.london understands.

Sesko and Gyokeres are similar in that they have spent just a single season in one of Europe’s top leagues having played in Austria and the Championship prior to their moves. Most of the elite-level forwards are already at sides uninterested in letting their star leave.

Lautaro Martinez is expected to sign a new deal with Serie A winners AC Milan. Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe are looking ahead to new campaigns with Manchester City and Real Madrid respectively.

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Harry Kane finally got his move to Bayern Munich although still awaits a trophy. Victor Osimhen could yet leave Napoli although like Isak the price tag remains astronomical making it difficult for anyone to come in realistically for the Nigerian international.

It has been proposed that Arsenal move for a short-term option instead until a better forward emerges in future windows. The other pathway is of course to continue with Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus, and Leandro Trossard – with Eddie Nketiah still being sold, and a wide player being signed instead.

Arsenal do need competition for Bukayo Saka and Trossard has impressed when utilized centrally. Havertz, Jesus, and Trossard are all great options but many will scrutinise the gap that remains between the Gunners and their main title rivals City in terms of firepower – this of course being despite Arsenal breaking the Premier League goal record last season.