Arsenal’s Striker Shortlist: Full Rundown of Arteta’s Summer 2025 Targets and Their Prices

As Arsenal gear up for a crucial summer transfer window, Mikel Arteta and sporting director Edu are reportedly prioritizing the signing of a new elite striker to spearhead the next phase of the club’s evolution. Despite strong attacking contributions from the likes of Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, and Leandro Trossard, the Gunners have often lacked a consistent, clinical number nine capable of delivering 20+ goals per season in the Premier League.

Here’s a comprehensive look at the strikers Arsenal are currently targeting, along with their estimated market values or release clauses, and a breakdown of what each could bring to Arteta’s side.

1. Benjamin Šeško (RB Leipzig)

Age: 21
Estimated Price: £53 million (€62 million)
Profile:
Šeško is one of the most highly regarded young forwards in Europe. The 6’4” Slovenian combines blistering pace with elite aerial ability, making him a natural fit for the Premier League. In his first full season with RB Leipzig, he has already hit double digits for goals in the Bundesliga and shown great promise as a target man with technical flair.
Arteta is said to be impressed by Šeško’s movement and development potential, viewing him as a long-term solution at centre-forward.

2. Viktor Gyökeres (Sporting CP)

Age: 26
Estimated Price: £85 million (€100 million release clause)
Profile:
A breakout star in Liga Portugal, Gyökeres has recorded over 30 goals and close to 10 assists this season. His style blends strength, relentless pressing, and clinical finishing—qualities Arteta highly values.
While his release clause is steep, Sporting may entertain offers slightly below that figure. Arsenal’s recruitment team has closely monitored his performances, and there is genuine interest in making a move if outgoings help free up funds.

3. Jonathan David (Lille)

Age: 24
Estimated Price: £25 million
Profile:
A more affordable option, the Canadian international has proven his consistency in Ligue 1, notching over 20 goals in multiple seasons. With only one year remaining on his contract, David is expected to be available at a cut-price fee, making him one of the bargains of the summer.
Arteta appreciates his mobility, poaching instincts, and ability to play in multiple attacking roles, including as a second striker.

4. Lautaro Martínez (Inter Milan)

Age: 27
Estimated Price: £70 million
Profile:
Lautaro is a seasoned striker who brings pedigree, leadership, and a proven goal-scoring record. Having won Serie A and played in a Champions League final, he’s viewed as a player ready to lead Arsenal’s line in both domestic and European competition.
Though expensive, his all-round abilities—including link-up play and off-the-ball movement—make him a potential game-changer in Arteta’s structured system.

5. Ademola Lookman (Atalanta)

Age: 27
Estimated Price: £50 million
Profile:
While primarily a wide forward, Lookman’s resurgence in Italy has seen him used centrally to great effect. His directness, footwork, and goal threat from multiple positions could provide Arteta with tactical flexibility.
His versatility may not make him the top striker choice, but he’s certainly on the club’s radar as an attacking reinforcement.

6. Alexander Isak (Newcastle United)

Age: 25
Estimated Price: £60 million
Profile:
One of the most technically gifted forwards in the Premier League, Isak has impressed with his dribbling, balance, and composure in front of goal. However, persistent injury issues raise questions about his long-term availability.
Newcastle’s Financial Fair Play pressures could force them to consider offers, but Arsenal may hesitate unless a clear path to fitness can be assured.

7. Brian Brobbey (Ajax)

Age: 22
Estimated Price: £30 million
Profile:
Brobbey is a physically imposing striker with a sharp instinct for goals inside the box. He’s been one of the bright spots in a struggling Ajax side this season.
At just 22, he fits the age profile Arsenal often targets and would be a more affordable investment with room to grow.

8. Nico Williams (Athletic Bilbao)

Age: 22
Estimated Price: £50 million (€58 million release clause)
Profile:
Although Williams primarily plays as a winger, his explosive pace and ability to beat defenders have led some to view him as a potential central option in a more fluid front three.
Arteta has admired Williams for some time, and while he might not be the traditional striker Arsenal needs, his signing would add another dimension to the attack.

Arsenal’s Striker Priority

Mikel Arteta is said to prefer a forward who fits into his positional play model: someone who can hold up the ball, press from the front, and link play effectively with Saka and Martinelli. Benjamin Šeško and Viktor Gyökeres currently top that list based on physical profile and performance trends.

However, financial constraints will play a part. With the Gunners looking to balance spending with potential departures—such as Eddie Nketiah and Reiss Nelson—cheaper options like Jonathan David or Brian Brobbey might become more realistic unless marquee sales are made.

Final Thoughts

The 2025 summer transfer window will be pivotal in shaping the future of Arteta’s Arsenal. After consecutive top-four finishes and growing Champions League aspirations, the need for a reliable, prolific centre-forward has never been more urgent. With a shortlist ranging from high-profile names like Lautaro Martínez to more economical options like Jonathan David, the Gunners are casting a wide net.

Whether they make a marquee signing or find another gem through smart scouting, one thing is certain: Arsenal will not enter next season without addressing their need for a true goal-getter.

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