Isak, Sesko or Watkins? Arteta's SURPRISING best option from seven-man shortlist revealed

Robin Bairner

• Updated: 10 Mar 2025 11:58 GMT
• 6 min read

Analysis

Arsenal’s desire to strengthen their attack in the summer transfer market is no secret, and such is the desperation of Mikel Arteta to add a centre-forward to his ranks, he has identified as many as seven options to join the Gunners.

Benjamin Sesko of RB Leipzig is the priority for Arteta, FootballTransfers has revealed. Newcastle United hitman Alexander Isak is considered to be the absolute dream but it is expected that he will not be for up for sale, with the Magpies expected to demand a club-record fee for the Swede.

Both names appear on a seven-man shortlist that has been revealed by Fichajes, but of these options who should Arsenal sign?

READ MORE: Benjamin Sesko talks ramp up as 'verbal agreement' reached

Arsenal’s seven-striker shortlist

Arteta has narrowed the Gunners’ striker search down to seven players, according to the Spanish source.

There are:

• Liam Delap (Ipswich)
• Alexander Isak (Newcastle)
• Benjamin Sesko (RB Leipzig)
• Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa)
• Lautaro Martinez (Inter Milan)
• Samu Aghehowa (Porto)
• Jonathan David (Lille)

One notable name who is absent from this list is Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres, who is a hitman who has long been linked with Arsenal and who has been scoring prolifically in Portugal.

Arsenal will have four major considerations as they make their decision over their ideal summer signing: current ability, potential, how they will fit into the squad and value for money.

Current ability

Of the magnificent seven names on Arteta’s shortlist, Lautaro Martinez comes out as the best current option in terms of ability, according to data analytics firm SciSports.

The Inter striker is even seen as a better option than Isak, having posted 10 goals and five assists in Serie A this season.

Ollie Watkins comes in third with Liam Delap bringing up the rear.

Potential ceiling

Lautaro comes out on top in terms of his long-term potential, with SciSports giving him a top rating of 125.8 should he reach his best level.

It is notable that the 27-year-old is operating close to his maximum, though, while it will also be a consideration that he is in his peak years and could start to move in the opposite direction in the medium-term.

Sesko arrives in second when it comes to potential, scoring 123.7 – above Lautaro’s current standing.

Isak comes in third at 119.3 but it is notable that the Newcastle striker is also operating close to his maximum.

Club Fit

It’s three out of three for Lautaro! With a massive Club Fit score of 86, the Inter striker is the man who would best fit into Arteta’s Arsenal plans, according to SciSports, which bases this on a variety of factors including projected playing time and potential to formation and style.

The only small concern about the Argentine at Arsenal is in terms of formation.

Isak is also an excellent fit at the Emirates, earning a score 83, with no particular weakness in his regard.

Completing the podium in this case is Sesko, who earns a very commendable 77. This is dragged down only by fears he would lack game time after arriving at the club, suggesting he would not have the immediate impact that Arsenal want but also hinting at strong long-term potential.

Value for money

Arsenal have shown in recent transfer windows that they will not pay above the odds for players. Allowing Chelsea to outbid them for Mykhailo Mudryk was a particular masterstroke in this regard.

Lautaro’s price tag is unclear. There are rumours of a “mega-money move” from the Gunners but details are vague. Inter would likely demand in excess of €100m for the Argentine, which is a stumbling block, yet with an Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) of €99m, the Gunners may feel it’s worth pulling the trigger on.

This is unlikely to be the case with Isak. Although they have been told they could afford to sign the Newcastle hitman, a Premier League price of close to €180m has been mooted. This is likely to put Arsenal off.

Indeed, the one player who would definitely prove value for money is Jonathan David, who is out of contract at Lille in the summer. Arsenal have followed him previously and if he is willing to arrive as a backup option could be an excellent signing in that role. FootballTransfers has already revealed the Gunners want two strikers in the summer, so picking him up on a free transfer would be a smart option.

Lautaro Martinez is the striker Arsenal need

Lautaro looks the best option for Arsenal based upon all these factors, with the Inter striker a strong fit for the Emirates side in all regards.

Not only does he provide instant quality, he has the capacity to be stronger than any of Arteta’s other shortlisted players, while he is also likely to offer reasonable value for money, despite the nine-figure price tag on his head.

Now it’s up to Arsenal to make the deal happen.