Arsenal are beginning to narrow down their striker shortlist ahead of the summer transfer window. The Gunners have long been on the hunt for an elite-level forward to add to Mikel Arteta's squad with their goal-scoring woes, that disappeared over the last few months, returning in the weekend defeat to Aston Villa.

For only the second time in 13 league games, the Gunners failed to find the back of the net with the other blank coming away to Manchester City. In 2024, with Kai Havertz often up top, Arsenal have scored 41 goals in all competitions however, Arteta opted to move him back into midfield and deploy Gabriel Jesus centrally.

Arsenal had plenty of chances, with Martin Odegaard frequently the creator, but they could not get beyond a stubborn Villa defence. Following the defeat, Arteta was rather honest in his latest title assessment with this season's crown now in Manchester City's hands.

"If one result is going to do that then we are not strong enough," he said in a press conference. "That’s very simple. We had one of the best performances that we’ve had all season in the first half against a really good team. It should have been three or four or more. It didn’t happen. In the second half the momentum shifted.

"We could not control and generate what we did in the first half. We conceded two very poor goals and we lost the game. Congratulate the opponent and stand up. Now the moment is to stand up and be counted. When you win and win and win for four months it’s very simple to do it. The moment to do it is now."

Even though Man City had won numerous trophies before the addition of Erling Haaland, his goals have been of great value to Guardiola with Arteta now on the search for his own version of the Norwegian goal-machine. The likes of Ivan Toney and Victor Osimhen have been linked with the Gunners however both are not included in what looks to be their final summer shortlist.

According to Italian outlet Gazzetta, Bologna's Joshua Zirkzee is being watched closely by Arsenal with Sporting CP star Viktor Gyokeres and RB Leizpig striker Benjamin Sesko also of interest. Both forwards recently moved to their current clubs with Gyokeres impressing significantly in Portugal that has resulted in Arsenal taking a keen interest.

Considering all three players have enjoyed great seasons in front of goal, they will certainly come at a premium and with Arsenal also looking to bolster in other areas, funds may be limited. Elsewhere, Martin Zubimendi, Bruno Guimaraes and Jorrel Hato are other reported targets for sporting director Edu ahead of the summer.

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