Six strikers Arsenal are targeting for a summer transfer

Martin Macdonald

• Updated: 19 May 2022 14:29 BST
• 4 min read

Arsenal's number one transfer priority this summer will be the acquisition of a new centre-forward.

It is likely the Gunners will have a completely new roster of strikers ahead of the 2022/23 season, as Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang left for Barcelona in the January transfer window, while Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah have contracts that expire in June.

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Arsenal desperately attempted to sign a forward in January, with Dusan Vlahovic top of the wishlist.

But, the Serbian had his heart set on a move for Juventus.

Here are five strikers they will target for a summer transfer.

Darwin Nunez - Benfica

While many in Spain and Portugal knew all about Darwin Nunez long before this season, the Uruguayan striker burst onto the scene in European football when he played a starring role in Benfica’s 3-0 defeat of Barcelona in the Champions League earlier this campaign.

He has been in sensational form for Benfica this campaign, scoring 26 goals in all competitions.

Unfortunately for Arsenal, there are likely to be many suitors for Nunez this summer so they will need to get involved in a bidding war.

Barca were interested previously.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin - Everton

Everton's Dominic Calvert-Lewin hasn't enjoyed the best 2021/22 season, with injuries playing their part, but Arsenal remain interested.

The Gunners were first linked with the England international last summer, but a move never materialised.

Months on, and speculation is still surrounding a potential deal, although given his nationality, he'll likely cost more than the other options.

Everton are currently in a relegation fight, and whether they stay up or not, Calvert-Lewin may want to take his talents to a club in a better spot.

Gabriel Jesus - Manchester City

Gabriel Jesus has been an integral part of Pep Guardiola's potentially Premier League-winning team this season, but the impending arrivals of Erling Haaland and Julian Alvarez will see his gametime decrease next campaign.

Indeed, the 25-year-old is expected to inform the Spanish boss of his decision to leave the club once the season comes to an end on Sunday.

Arsenal are reportedly front-runners to sign the forward, though he may not be willing to leave for a team in Europe League competition.

Jonathan David - Lille

Jonathan David is enjoying the best season of his career to date.

It took a little while for Victor Osimhen's replacement at Lille to get up and running for the side from North France, but now he's found his stride he's not looked back.

Currently the joint-fifth top scorer in Ligue 1, David is running Lille's attack, even though the side have faltered this campaign, and he's the main reason Jocelyn Gourvennec's side are still in with a shout of a top four finish.

Plucking him from Lille won't be easy, especially with reported interest from Liverpool.

Alexander Isak - Real Sociedad

He flourished on the international stage when thrust into the limelight at Euro 2020, and Alexander Isak could do the same if Arsenal take a chance on him in the summer.

The Swedish striker has well and truly bounced back from his tough spell at Borussia Dortmund, and has found his rhythm at Real Sociedad.

His 17 league goals last year certainly caught the eye, and while he's not quite hit those heights this year, with just four goals to his name in La Liga, he could certainly rediscover his form at the Emirates.

Lautaro Martinez - Inter

One of the hottest properties in world football at the moment remains Inter striker Lautaro Martinez.

The Argentine formed a devastating partnership with Romelu Lukaku last season and, after the Belgian's departure, has flourished in the role as Inter's main man up top.

He has been linked with every elite club in Europe over the past year, including Barcelona, Real Madrid and Liverpool.

His outstanding goal against Liverpool in the Champions League will only strengthen the Reds' interest in him.

However, it is unlikely Arsenal will be bale to secure his signature if they aren't in that competition.