Arsenal make signing a forward ‘top priority’ this summer: See who makes the list

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Arsenal are actively scouting attacking players ahead of the summer transfer window as they look to strengthen their squad for the new season. 

Several injuries and inconsistent performances have affected their attack more recently and unlike the January 2025 transfer saga, the Gunners are out to make the needed upgrade. Mikel Arteta wants to add more depth and quality to his forward line and himself and the scouting team has been linked with several exciting talents across Europe, including young wingers and proven goal scorers. Here are the top players on Arsenal’s list heading into the summer.

ALEXANDER ISAK – NEWCASTLE UNITED

Arsenal are considering the potential of buying Newcastle forward – Alexander Isak this summer to improve their striking options. The 25-year-old Swedish striker is an integral part of Eddie Howe’s team, and most recently contributed to their 2-0 victory over Liverpool in the 2025 Carabao Cup finals at the Wembley Stadium on Sunday evening.

Isak has proven he is a player who can perform on big occasions and is consistent in goal. The forward who has already contributed 23 goals and 5 assists for the Magpies this season has been referred to as the new “Thierry Henry”. Top clubs across Europe are monitoring his situation but Arsenal are at the forefront with contacts made to his representatives. The Gunners have allegedly made an offer of €120m (£101m) for Isak after the Newcastle striker emerged as the Gunner’s top target for the upcoming transfer window.

It’s still uncertain if the young Swedish would be tempted to make a move away from the Magpies. Newcastle United has now won a more recent trophy than Arsenal has and will be even more confident to become regular title contenders in the coming season. Isak might stick around for this or might leap to join Arsenal who are more likely to make European football and win trophies next season. 

Speaking to the Chronically Live about his future before Sunday’s triumph, he said: “That’s why I came here. As I have said, I am not thinking about the summer yet. I have said many times that I don’t think too much about my future. I have said many times I am happy here and we are competing for titles which is what you want as a football player. We have been to one final and now we are in another one.”

MARCUS THURAM – INTER MILAN

Inter Milan’s Marcus Thuram is on Arsenal’s shortlist as their search for a center forward extends into next summer. Reports from London have expressed that both Arsenal and their City rivals – Chelsea have sent scouts to follow the Frenchman’s performances in Italy.

Thuram joined Inter Milan from Borussia Monchengladbach in the summer of 2023. The 27-year-old Frenchman scored 15 goals and provided eight assists in 46 competitive games as the Italian giants claimed the Serie A title last season. He has already replicated this tally in the current season having contributed 16 goals and 4 assists for Simone Inzaghi’s side this season. His impressive form is attracting admirers from top clubs in Europe and the Frenchman may be tempted to seek a new challenge despite Inter’s push to keep him beyond this summer. His current contract which includes a release clause of £71m runs till the Summer of 2028 and the Italian giants are keen to extend his contract.

Arsenal predicts the forward would be a good investment should he decide to make the move to North London in the future. His goal-scoring run and injury tolerance have endured three major European scenes and would be a very valuable asset in the Premier League. Arne Slot’s Liverpool led the race to bring the forward to Anfield next season following the brewing departure of Darwin Nunez and Luis Diaz, but the English rival Arsenal and Chelsea had joined the race and are reportedly ahead of the Reds to bring the 27-year-old to England.

Both Arsenal and Chelsea had struggled from inconsistency in the center forward this season. Injuries to Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz have left Arsenal open in front with Mikel Merino playing as a makeshift forward for the Gunners. Chelsea, on the other hand, has been exposed to a lack of depth in the forward position following Nicolas Jackson’s spell on the sidelines. The Senegalese inconsistency in front of goal has also threatened the Blues form this season leaving the need for a new striker to create competition. Both clubs are keen to avoid a similar situation next season and have identified the Frenchman as a key option.

NICO WILLIAMS – ATHLETIC BILBAO

Although not a center forward per se, Arsenal is reportedly interested in signing Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams during the summer transfer window. Sporting director Andrea Berta is said to be keen on activating the 21-year-old’s €58 million (£48.75 million) release clause to strengthen the squad at the Emirates Stadium.

The Gunner’s struggles with injury this season have seen Gabriel Martinelli miss crucial games and have a hard time adjusting to his prime form, Bukayo Saka has been sidelined since Christmas, and both Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz have also dealt with injuries, leaving Arsenal in need of attacking reinforcements. Williams could provide much-needed depth and could form an exciting attacking partnership with Saka on the wings, with Martinelli and Leandro Trossard available as backups.

Arsenal has been monitoring Williams for a long time. While they were interested last summer, no transfer materialized, and the Spanish winger remained at Bilbao. However, this summer could be different, as Arsenal is preparing a long-term contract offer until 2030 to persuade him to join. They would however face huge opposition from the likes of Barcelona and PSG.

Williams scored Spain’s opening goal in the EURO 2024 final against England and was a standout performer throughout the tournament. He currently earns around £170,000 per week at Bilbao. Arsenal is expected to offer him a better wage package along with Arteta’s long-term vision for the club, which could give them a strong advantage in securing his signature.

MALICK FOFANA – LYON

Arsenal is interested in signing Lyon’s young winger Malick Fofana this summer. The 19-year-old Belgian is open to leaving Lyon, with the club setting his price at around €50 million. Fofana has impressed in Ligue 1 this season, attracting attention from several big clubs in the Premier League. Besides Arsenal, Liverpool, Aston Villa and Newcastle have also shown interest, while Paris Saint-Germain and Juventus are monitoring the situation.

With his growing reputation, it seems unlikely that Fofana will stay at Lyon for much longer. Scouts from top European clubs are watching him closely, though no official offers have been made yet. As the summer transfer window approaches, competition for his signature is expected to increase. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has built a strong team, but squad depth in attack remains a concern. Injuries and inconsistency have affected their season, making attacking reinforcements a priority.

Fofana may not be a regular starter at Arsenal right away, but he is seen as a long-term prospect. With Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka already established, he would have time to adapt to English football while providing a valuable rotation option.

While the Gunners are actively monitoring the options above, the possibility of renewing interest in previous targets like Napoli’s on-loan Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen and Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres has not been ruled out. As Arsenal’s upcoming matches will be crucial in their push for silverware and a strong league finish, securing the right attacking reinforcements could make a significant difference. Fans are eager to see who Arsenal will target to boost their attacking options and add firepower for the challenges ahead.

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The Gunners are set to light up the Emirates Stadium again with captivating games after the International break. Mikel Arteta’s young, talented, and hungry squad is closer to silverware this season with the race for the Premier League far from over. It’s been over two decades since Arsene Wenger’s famous invisible squad claimed the 2003/2004 Premier League title.

The win over Chelsea has got fans worldwide anticipating the games ahead, especially the UEFA Champions League tie with Real Madrid. Every game promises its share of drama, passion, and unforgettable moments. That said, Arsenal’s upcoming matches are a must-watch for every football fan. Make sure you witness every nail-biting action from Arsenal within England and across European stages. Buy tickets to the games and find the best spots to keep you locked in through the games.

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