Arsenal continue to be linked with several strikers ahead of the summer transfer window, as they have been for several windows now. However, Gary Lineker has highlighted one forward he believes could make a significant impact for the Gunners.
During the January window, Mikel Arteta publicly called for reinforcements at the Emirates, but despite long-term injuries to Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus, no new signings were made. Now, with Kai Havertz picking up an injury during the club’s mid-season trip to Dubai, Arsenal find themselves without a recognized No. 9, forcing Mikel Merino to step in during their recent 1-0 defeat to West Ham.
Alexander Isak has frequently been linked with Arsenal, and the club even made a surprise attempt to sign Ollie Watkins in January. However, Lineker has put forward two other names as potential targets.
“Victor Osimhen is available, isn’t he?” Lineker asked on The Rest Is Football podcast. “He would definitely score goals for them. The problem Arsenal have now is that everyone knows they need a striker. A player who might have cost £60-70 million is now going to be worth £100-110 million when Arsenal come in. They’ll have to pay a premium, and maybe that’s why they didn’t sign anyone last summer or in January—they weren’t willing to overpay.”
He emphasized that Arsenal have needed a top-class centre-forward since the start of the season, and his opinion remains unchanged.
Osimhen gained widespread recognition during Napoli’s Serie A-winning campaign in 2022-23, playing a crucial role in their title triumph. However, following Antonio Conte’s arrival at the club, the Nigerian striker has fallen out of favor and is currently on loan at Galatasaray. Given his uncertain future at Napoli, Arsenal could have some leverage in negotiations, though they would still need to invest significantly to secure a striker capable of leading a title challenge.
However, Osimhen isn’t the only player Lineker suggested. He also named a domestic option he believes should be Arsenal’s priority.
“If I were them, I’d go for [Liam] Delap at Ipswich,” Lineker said. “He’s young and not fully proven, but he’s scored a lot of goals in the Premier League for a newly promoted side that has struggled. I like his movement. There’s talk of him returning to Man City, but with Haaland signing a nine-year deal, he might have to wait a long time for game time there.”
Delap’s performances have attracted interest from multiple clubs, with Manchester United and Chelsea also reportedly keeping tabs on him.
Many fans see Newcastle’s Alexander Isak as the ideal signing due to his technical ability, finishing, and experience in the Premier League. However, of all Arsenal’s rumored targets, the Swedish striker would likely be the most expensive.
“I don’t think Arsenal can afford him. I really don’t. I’m being serious,” said podcast co-host Alan Shearer. “Why would he leave Newcastle if they qualify for the Champions League and win a trophy? This could be a massive season for them.”
Leave a Reply