Five strikers on Arsenal transfer radar ahead of Balogun decision

31 March 2023 , 12:08

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Five strikers on Arsenal transfer radar ahead of Balogun decision

Arsenal are tracking five strikers across Europe as they look to bolster their options this summer.

The Gunners are sitting top of the Premier League and could end an 19-year wait for top flight success if they hold off Manchester City. Recruitment has been crucial to their rise under Mikel Arteta and the north Londoners want to continue building.

Gabriel Jesus was added in the summer - and is seen as a crucial cog - whilst Eddie Nketiah is also an option for Arsenal. The latter filled in impressively whilst the Brazilian was out injured at the turn of the year, meaning Arteta has the luxury of several weapons in the final third.

Youngster Folarin Balogun has excelled whilst out on loan at Reims in Ligue 1, outscoring the majority of his competition, which leaves the Gunners with a decision to make. Either they look to integrate the academy graduate into the first-team or they can cash in with interest mounting.

They have also explored other avenues with The Evening Standard reporting that the club have watched ­Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Dusan Vlahovic, Tammy Abraham and Victor Osimhen in recent months. Young Dane Rasmus Hojlund, who scored five goals in two games for Denmark last week, is another man on their radar.

Mikel Arteta's dream Arsenal line up as last-gasp January transfers are secured

Abraham, Calvert-Lewin and Vlahovic have all been linked with moves to the Emirates in the past. Abraham left Chelsea several summers ago and opted for a switch to Roma, where he's continued his development under Jose Mourinho, but a return to the Premier League may appeal.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin has long been Everton's most prolific forward

Tammy Abraham left England back in 2021

Calvert-Lewin's situation is likely to rest on whether or not Everton remain in the top flight. The injury-hit striker has previously been a fixture with England but he's slipped out of the picture due to his lack of minutes. Vlahovic meanwhile chose Juventus over the Gunners last year, but the Old Lady have struggled since.

Osimhen has a host of suitors, including Chelsea, Manchester United and PSG, having enjoyed an impressive year at Napoli, who are closing in on the Serie A title. The Nigerian could prove to be the most costly of those on the shortlist, so it may depend on Arsenal's spending power.

The Gunners are due to return to the Champions League after several years away from Europe's top table. It means they will have to further strengthen their squad with Arteta largely working with a small group of players with focus very much on league matters.

Samuel Meade