Arsenal’s hunt for a reliable striker has become one of the biggest talking points in recent transfer windows, and as the summer window approaches, the Gunners’ search continues.

The club is currently in a bit of a bind, with no recognized striker available to fill the void, especially following an injury to Kai Havertz.

Injury Crisis Leaves Arsenal Without a Recognized No 9

Mikel Arteta has had to adapt due to long-term injuries to key players like Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus.

The situation got worse when Havertz, also an important part of Arteta’s plans, sustained an injury during Arsenal’s mid-season trip to Dubai.

In their 1-0 defeat to West Ham, Mikel Merino had to step in, but it’s clear that a more permanent solution is needed up front.

Gary Lineker Names Two Strikers Who Could Make a Difference for Arsenal

As the summer transfer window looms, former footballer Gary Lineker weighed in on Arsenal’s striker search.

On his The Rest Is Football podcast, Lineker highlighted two names that he believes could be the key to Arsenal’s title push.

“Victor Osimhen is there, isn’t he?” Lineker said. The Nigerian striker impressed at Napoli, helping them win the Serie A title in 2022-23.

However, with his future uncertain at his current club following a strained relationship with manager Antonio Conte, Lineker suggested that a deal could be on the horizon.

But there’s a catch: Arsenal would have to pay top dollar, as the striker’s value has increased due to the club’s high-profile interest.

“If Arsenal wants him now, they will have to pay £100-110 million for him,” Lineker added, emphasizing the challenge Arsenal faces in securing a deal for a top-tier forward.

Could Liam Delap Be a More Affordable Option for Arsenal?

While Osimhen could be a costly option, Lineker also suggested a more affordable target closer to home: Ipswich striker Liam Delap.

“I’d go for Delap if I were Arsenal,” Lineker said, acknowledging that while Delap is young and still developing, his goal-scoring form in the Premier League for Ipswich has been impressive.

Delap has already attracted interest from several top clubs, including Manchester United and Chelsea, and his future seems uncertain after Ipswich’s promotion.

Lineker believes Delap’s movement and finishing ability make him an interesting option for a team like Arsenal, though he conceded that Delap might be better off returning to his parent club, Manchester City, where competition for a starting spot with Erling Haaland could be difficult.

Is Alexander Isak Arsenal’s Ideal Signing?

Newcastle’s Alexander Isak is another name regularly linked with Arsenal.

His technical ability, skillful footwork, and proven Premier League experience make him a desirable target for many fans.

However, Lineker’s co-host, Alan Shearer, expressed doubts about Arsenal’s ability to afford the Swedish striker, noting the growing financial strength of clubs like Newcastle.

“Why would Isak want to leave Newcastle if they qualify for the Champions League and potentially win a trophy?” Shearer asked, suggesting that the ambitious nature of Newcastle’s current project could make it hard for Arsenal to convince Isak to make the move.

Arsenal Faces a Competitive Striker Market in the Summer

As the summer approaches, it seems clear that Arsenal will face intense competition in their pursuit of a new striker.

The club is looking for a player who can help them compete at the highest level, and with potential targets like Osimhen, Delap, and Isak, it remains to be seen which direction Arteta and the club’s hierarchy will take.

While the focus remains on securing a top-class forward, Arsenal’s injury woes and the potential for players to be unavailable continue to complicate the situation.

The Gunners will have to act quickly and decisively when the transfer window opens to bolster their attacking options for the next season.

This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!

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