5 strikers that Arsenal seriously need to target this summer

Arsenal have lacked a world-class striker for some time now, despite Alexis Sanchez’ rise to prominence this season, and the Gunners should certainly consider bolstering their attack this summer- regardless of whether the Chilean ace stays or leaves.

The Gunners need a striker that an guarantee 20+ goals a season and one that can get the best out of support from Alexis and Mesut Ozil, amongst others. Strikers of that calibre cost a premium price but it’s time for Arsenal to stop pinching pennies.

A few years ago, it was easy to argue that there were few top-class strikers available on the market, with most of those tied down to big clubs already, but that’s no longer the situation and the five strikers we’ve identified here could easily be lured to North London.

Whether it would be Arsene Wenger or another manager bringing them to the Emirates Stadium remains to be seen but these strikers should definitely be at the top of the Gunners’ wish-list.

Alexandre Lacazette

The French striker has been linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium for a number of seasons but this summer could finally be the time for a move to occur- as Lyon have endured a slide in the Ligue 1 standings, with the rise of Monaco and OGC Nice providing a stern threat to their Champions League hopes.

If Lacazette wants to make the squad for France’s 2018 World Cup venture, he will certainly need to be playing at the highest level as he faces a wealth of competition from the likes of Karim Benzema, Antoine Griezmann and Olivier Giroud, amongst others.

That will hand Arsenal a boost in the quest for his signature, as Lyon will struggle to keep hold of the 25-year-old if he starts to seek an exit.

Mauro Icardi

Like Alexandre Lacazette, a likely lack of Champions League football could cause Mauro Icardi to seek a move away from Inter Milan and the 2018 World Cup will certainly be playing on the mind of the 24-year-old.

With his sole international appearance for Argentina coming in 2013, Icardi needs a big improvement to force his way into the South American nation’s international squad and he’ll need impressive performances at the highest level to bolster his chances.

Icardi, who adorns the captain’s armband at the San Siro, also has a turbulent relationship with the club’s supporters, specifically the ultras, and was involved in a high-profile clash with them earlier this season- which may lead Inter to consider a sale.

Andrea Belotti

Sticking with Italian football, Andrea Belotti is another striker who is playing for a side currently outside of the top European places. Torino, sat just ninth in the Serie A standings, are extremely unlikely to enjoy a European adventure next season.

23-year-old Belotti has netted an impressive 17 goals in 22 appearances this season for the Italian side and is certainly set for bigger things. He also made his international debut last year, scoring three goals in five appearances to date, and a move could help cement his position in Italy’s 2018 World Cup squad.

Romelu Lukaku

Romelu Lukaku is a name Premier League fans will be all too familiar with and there is a growing feeling that the Belgian striker has outgrown Everton. As one of the finest strikers within English football, he should certainly be playing in the Champions League.

Despite an impressive season, Everton may not be able to offer any European football at all next season and a huge transfer could occur this summer. If a move on the market starts to become viable, then Arsenal should definitely make a move.

Moussa Dembele

Since moving to Glasgow from Fulham in the summer, French U21 international Moussa Dembele has excelled in Scottish football with Celtic and boasts an incredible 24 goals across 34 games in all competitions this season.

Just 20-years-old, Dembele is one of the most exciting attacking talents in European football right now and Celtic will find it extremely difficult to keep hold of his services. Selling shouldn’t be too much of an issue for the Scottish champions either, as they paid only compensation for Dembele in the summer and can raise a major profit by offloading their star-man.