Mikel Arteta told dream Arsenal striker transfer and it's not Viktor Gyokeres or Alexander Isak

Arsenal have been told to explore the possibility of signing Darwin Nunez.

The Gunners have long been linked with a new No.9, with the likes of Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyokeres among the names linked with a move to north London in recent windows. Kai Havertz is the club's first choice striker at present, with Gabriel Jesus currently second choice behind the Brazilian.

There are question marks over the duo's finishing ability, however, and this has led to speculation linking Arsenal with a new frontman. football.london understands Arsenal explored a number of striker options in the summer, with interest in Benjamin Sesko and Newcastle's Isak but no move was ever pursued. It's possible the area is revisited in January, although it's believed the club is likely to be reactive rather than proactive in the market.

READ MORE: Mikel Arteta can finally unleash perfect solution to help ease Arsenal injury woes

READ MORE: Arsenal 'monitor' Serie A striker as Man City transfer battle emerges

Former Arsenal striker Jeremie Aliadiere believes his old side are lacking a striker who can run in behind, with Aliadiere naming Liverpool star Nunez as his dream forward. “I know he is at Liverpool but I am a massive fan of Darwin Nunez," he told Football365.

"Absolutely mad fan of the guy because I love his work ethic, his runs, his determination and I wish we had a player like him at Arsenal. I remember in the summer there were some talks about him coming to Arsenal. That excited me because I’d love to see him with us.

“That type of player, keeps bothering defenders, making runs in behind, stretching the defence, even though it’s not for him, it’s for the team, the others get massive rewards from it. I know people will say he needs five chances to score sometimes, he is not the best finisher, I am not bothered about this. For me, the effort and the work rate and the drama that he causes is worth everything.”

Nunez has endured a mixed 2024/25 campaign so far, with the 25-year-old scoring three goals in 14 appearances. He is competing with the likes of Cody Gakpo, Luis Diaz and Diogo Jota for a place in Arne Slot's starting XI, though, and has found it difficult so far.

Havertz already has seven goals this season but his output has slowed down in recent weeks, while Jesus has netted just once in 15 appearances. Asked whether the former Man City star Jesus is good enough to replace Havertz, Aliadiere said: “It’s a tough question because I will always try to think long-term over the season. I think he can, he definitely can.

“Havertz is not a natural number nine. He’s doing a fantastic job but over a full season, Champions League, Premier League, and we have seen it lately when Arsenal have struggled more and it has been more difficult, Jesus could be the answer. He is not a typical number nine; he likes to come and get involved, get the ball, get involved in the build-up. I am not sure that is the answer.

“For me, a number nine is someone who is going to run behind, stretch the team out for the tricky player to come and build the game. Arsenal have lost that number nine, running in behind, I don’t think they have anyone capable of doing that regularly. Jesus will be able to play there when Havertz is not on form, it’s just the way of playing, the way Arsenal play focuses on the wide areas with [Bukayo] Saka and [Gabriel] Martinelli, we come and combine.”