The strikers Arsenal could still sign this summer after Sesko & Zirkzee snubs

Tom Weber

• Updated: 11 Jun 2024 10:17 BST
• 4 min read

Arsenal have been snubbed by two of their top striker targets.

In May, FootballTransfers exclusively revealed that the Gunners had prioritised the signing of RB Leipzig wonderkid Benjamin Sesko over other centre-forwards due to his age and price.

The 21-year-old had €65 million release clause, but despite being courted by Arsenal, Chelsea and Man Utd, the Slovenian has now decided to sign a new and improved deal with Leipzig.

Sesko has thus become the second Arsenal target to snub the Gunners following Joshua Zirkzee, with the Bologna striker close to joining AC Milan for €40m.

With the Gunners keen to add a number nine this summer, it begs the question: Who can they still sign?

READ MORE: Latest Arsenal transfer news

Viktor Gyokeres (Sporting CP)

First and foremost, Arsenal could reignite their concrete interest in Viktor Gyokeres, who was their top target for several weeks in the spring. The Sporting CP striker is coming off a spectacular debut season in Portugal, notching more than half a century of goal contributions.

However, the Swede has a €100m release clause and, following the news that Ruben Amorim is staying on board as coach, Sporting will be confident of keeping hold of him.

READ MORE: Latest Arsenal transfer rumours

Alexander Isak (Newcastle)

Then there is, of course, Alexander Isak. The Newcastle sharpshooter is a long-standing Gunners target, but much like compatriot Gyokeres, will likely cost in excess of €100m.

The Magpies are not keen on losing the Swede and Isak has thus far given no indication that he would be keen on the move.

Victor Osimhen (Napoli)

Unlike Isak and Gyokeres, Victor Osimhen is keen to depart his club this summer. As is a common theme here, however, the Nigerian, too, is extremely expensive.

The 25-year-old has a €130m release clause and despite looking set to leave Napoli, both Arsenal and Chelsea have cooled their interest in him in recent weeks.

Ivan Toney (Brentford)

Another player heavily linked with Arsenal is Ivan Toney. Here, too, it has been claimed that the Gunners' interest has dropped off, but unlike Osimhen, the England international may not be as expensive as initially thought.

Brentford demanded north of €100m for him in January, but with Toney keen to leave, it is thought that the Bees have halved their demands. The fact that Toney is 28 could be a problem, however.

Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa)

The second England international on this list, Ollie Watkins is coming off a spectacular campaign with Aston Villa. Watkins has shown that he can perform at an elite level, but he too is already 28 and he won't come cheap.

Watkins is a player who would suit Mikel Arteta's style to a tee, but it is doubtful that the Gunners will be able to prise him away from Villa Park.

Dominic Solanke (Bournemouth)

In recent days, surprising links to Bournemouth marksman Dominic Solanke have emerged. The former Chelsea and Liverpool prospect enjoyed a very, very good season with the Cherries and this has attracted big-name interest.

Solanke is thought to have a €77m release clause and, at 26, is not as advanced in years as compatriots Toney and Watkins. He could be a good solution for the Gunners.

Victor Boniface (Bayer Leverkusen)

Earlier this year, Bayer Leverkusen star Victor Boniface was tentatively linked with London giants Arsenal and Chelsea. Not much eventually came of this association, but the Nigerian could be on the move this summer.

Boniface enjoyed a very good season with Bayer 04, though he was robbed of a few months due to injury. His fitness is probably the biggest concern about him given his history of ACL issues, but in terms of talent, he looks ready for the Premier League.