Arsenal’s pursuit of a marquee striker has been a focal point of their transfer strategy under Mikel Arteta, with Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak frequently cited as the Gunners’ dream target. Isak’s blend of pace, technical ability, and clinical finishing—evidenced by his 22 goals in 32 matches across all competitions this season—makes him a perfect fit for Arteta’s system. However, with Newcastle reportedly demanding a £130-150 million fee and showing reluctance to sell their talisman, especially if they secure Champions League qualification, Arsenal may need to pivot to other options. Fortunately, the Gunners have been linked with several high-profile strikers who could transform their attack in the 2025/26 season. Here, we explore three standout candidates—Benjamin Sesko, Viktor Gyokeres, and Victor Osimhen—as potential alternatives if negotiations for Isak falter.
RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko has emerged as a prime candidate for Arsenal, with reports suggesting he is Mikel Arteta’s top alternative to Isak. The 21-year-old Slovenian has been on the Gunners’ radar since last summer, when they pushed to sign him before he opted to stay with Leipzig. Sesko’s decision to extend his contract did not deter Arsenal, as it’s believed he has a “gentleman’s agreement” with Leipzig allowing a potential transfer for around £62 million in the summer of 2025—a significantly lower fee than Isak’s.
Sesko’s 14 goals and three assists in 27 matches this season highlight his lethal finishing and versatility. Standing at 6’4”, he combines physicality with remarkable athleticism, making him a nightmare for defenders. His ability to operate as a traditional No. 9 while also drifting into channels aligns with Arteta’s preference for a dynamic forward. Posts on X have underscored Arsenal’s continued interest, with some sources claiming Sesko is now the club’s “number one striker target” for the summer.
The challenge for Arsenal will be convincing Sesko of guaranteed game time, a factor that reportedly stalled negotiations last summer. However, with Gabriel Jesus sidelined by an ACL injury and Kai Havertz not delivering consistent goals, Sesko could see Arsenal as the ideal platform to become a Premier League star. His youth, potential, and relatively affordable price tag make him a strategic signing for a club balancing Financial Fair Play constraints with ambitions of a Premier League title.
If Sesko represents potential, Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres offers proven goal-scoring pedigree. The 27-year-old Swedish striker has been a revelation in Portugal, with posts on X claiming Arsenal view him as a priority target alongside Sesko after Newcastle’s hard stance on Isak. Gyokeres’ reported £59-70 million price tag makes him an attractive option compared to Isak’s exorbitant fee.
Gyokeres has notched an astonishing 90 goals over the past two seasons, showcasing his ability to dominate defenses with pace, power, and clinical finishing. While some question how his form in the Portuguese Primeira Liga would translate to the Premier League’s intensity, his physical attributes and work rate suggest he could adapt quickly. Arsenal’s new sporting director, Andrea Berta, is reportedly a big fan of Gyokeres, and his interest in a Premier League move could give the Gunners an edge over rivals like Chelsea and Manchester United.
Gyokeres’ versatility to play as a central striker or drift wide complements Arteta’s fluid attacking system. However, Arsenal may have reservations about his age and the leap from Portugal to England, as noted in some reports. Still, his prolific output and relatively low transfer fee make him a compelling fallback option if Isak remains unattainable.
For a statement signing, Arsenal could turn to Napoli’s Victor Osimhen, a player long admired by the club. The 26-year-old Nigerian striker, currently on loan at Galatasaray, is available for around £55 million, a bargain compared to Isak’s valuation. Osimhen’s 26 goals in Napoli’s 2022/23 title-winning season and his consistent performances in Serie A and the Champions League underline his status as one of Europe’s elite No. 9s
Osimhen’s physicality, aerial prowess, and relentless pressing make him a natural fit for the Premier League. His desire to return to Europe’s top leagues, coupled with interest from Arsenal, Chelsea, and Manchester United, positions him as a viable target. However, reports suggest Osimhen may prefer a move to Juventus, which could complicate negotiations. Arsenal’s advantage lies in their clear need for a traditional centre-forward, especially with Jesus injured and Havertz better suited to a hybrid role.
The primary concerns with Osimhen are his injury history and adaptation to the Premier League’s pace. Yet, his experience at the highest level and ability to “add a different dimension of threat,” as noted in transfer analyses, make him a high-reward option if Arsenal can secure his signature.
Arsenal’s striker search is driven by the need for a prolific No. 9 to close the gap on rivals like Liverpool, who have surged ahead in the 2024/25 Premier League race. The Gunners’ attacking woes, exacerbated by injuries to Jesus, Bukayo Saka, and Gabriel Martinelli, have highlighted the urgency of reinforcing their forward line. Arteta’s comments about needing players who can “immediately impact our performance” underscore the club’s focus on quality over quantity.
Financially, Arsenal face a delicate balancing act. A £150 million splurge on Isak could limit funds for other priorities, such as a creative winger (e.g., Nico Williams) or a midfielder to replace Thomas Partey or Jorginho. Sesko and Gyokeres, with their lower price tags, offer flexibility to address multiple squad needs, while Osimhen’s cost aligns with Arsenal’s reported willingness to spend heavily on a striker. Selling fringe players like Aaron Ramsdale, Takehiro Tomiyasu, or Gabriel Jesus could further boost their transfer budget.
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If Alexander Isak remains out of reach, Benjamin Sesko appears the most likely and strategic signing. His youth, potential, and £62 million price tag align with Arsenal’s long-term vision and financial constraints. Viktor Gyokeres offers a safer bet for immediate impact, given his prolific form, but questions about his Premier League adaptation linger. Victor Osimhen, while a blockbuster option, carries risks due to his injury record and potential preference for Juventus.
Ultimately, Arsenal’s choice will hinge on Arteta’s tactical vision and Berta’s transfer acumen. Sesko’s blend of upside and affordability makes him the standout candidate to lead Arsenal’s attack next season, potentially turning the Gunners into genuine title contenders.
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