Arsenal have now performed a transfer U-turn after watching one player’s performances lately.

Mikel Arteta and Edu find themselves in the difficult moment of needing to focus on Arsenal’s end to the 2023/24 campaign, but also prepare for the summer transfer window ahead of what will be a crucial period of recruitment.

The Gunners need to make some more smart moves to keep bridging the gap between themselves and Manchester City, after last summer’s £105m capture of Declan Rice did exactly that.

So, what transfer U-turn have Arsenal now made? Let’s take a look…

Arsenal make transfer U-turn

Well – according to the Daily Mail – Arsenal no longer want to sign a traditional striker this summer.

It is said that Arsenal looked at signing a No.9 in the mould of Ivan Toney or Ollie Watkins, but the performances of Kai Havertz have forced Arteta and Edu into a reassessment of the situation.

The Daily Mail believe Arsenal are now turning attentions towards a “more modern” profile of attacker, who can operate out wide but also be deployed as a lone striker too.

Arsenal are also said to be considerate of age.

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Both Toney and Watkins are 28 years of age, so a younger attacker would be preferred ahead of signing someone on the brink of entering their thirties.

Havertz has scored ten goals in 44 appearances this season – while also providing five assists – when operating in a central role, and Arteta is clearly delighted with the £60m Germany international’s efforts.

No Viktor Gyokeres?

In recent weeks, talk of Arsenal making a move to sign Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting CP has started to heat up.

A claim from Portuguese journalist Pedro Sepulveda even stated that Arsenal are preparing a bid in the region of £86m to sign the Sweden international, who has incredibly scored 36 goals in 43 appearances this season.

However, Gyokeres represents that traditional, stocky No.9 style striker Arsenal are now – allegedly – moving away from due to the displays of Havertz, so it remains a mystery as to whether Edu will continue this transfer pursuit now.

It also poses question marks about a move for Victor Osimhen – another reported target – although that one was fizzling out anyway amid reports the Nigerian will join PSG this summer.

Be sure to keep an eye on this situation, as Arteta and Edu apparently perform a U-turn with transfer plans at Arsenal.