Why Arsenal and Man United Must Act Fast in Summer No 9 Chase | OneFootball

Summer of the Striker: Premier League Eyes on European Firepower

The striker market is heating up ahead of a defining summer. As covered by The Athletic, Arsenal, Manchester United, Chelsea, and Liverpool are all preparing for an aggressive pursuit of elite No 9s. The names are familiar, but the stakes feel higher than ever. With Champions League qualification, new managers and shifting recruitment strategies all in play, the race for goals is as important as any tactical blueprint.

Gyokeres Stakes His Claim

Viktor Gyokeres has emerged as one of the most in-demand strikers in Europe. The Swedish international, now at Sporting CP, has put together a staggering run: “85 goals and 26 assists in 92 games,” including 30 goals in just 26 appearances this season. Those numbers are eye-watering and naturally put him on the radar of elite clubs — most notably Arsenal.

Photo IMAGO

The Athletic notes that “Gyokeres turns 27 in June, so it looks like a case of ‘now or never’ if he is going to make a move to one of Europe’s biggest clubs.” There’s further intrigue with a potential price drop. Despite a €100million release clause, reports suggest Sporting might accept offers around €70million. For a club like Arsenal, who desperately need a clinical finisher, the timing and fee are compelling.

Yet, concerns persist. Gyokeres’ dominance in Portugal is unquestionable, but “whether Gyokeres’ physical dominance and goalscoring prowess could be replicated in a more challenging environment, such as the Premier League,” remains to be seen.

Isak: Crown Jewel or Fantasy?

Alexander Isak might be the most polished striker on the radar, but prising him away from Newcastle could prove impossible. With 59 goals in his first 101 games and a Carabao Cup-winning strike to his name, the Swede is already elite. His elegance, vision, and adaptability make him a dream for most attacking systems.

Photo: IMAGO

Still, Isak is under contract until 2028, and Newcastle are “desperate to keep him.” Unless the Magpies fail to qualify for Europe, or the player pushes for a move, he seems unlikely to be available. For Arsenal, Isak represents the ideal but improbable.

Sesko: Raw Potential with Room to Grow

At just 21, Benjamin Sesko of RB Leipzig offers a different proposition. He’s powerful, lightning quick, and strikes the ball with venom. While not yet the finished article, The Athletic reports that “all parties have accepted that this is the right moment to move on.”

Sesko’s €70million release clause makes him a relatively affordable gamble. He might not bring the guaranteed return of Isak or the current form of Gyokeres, but with patience, he could blossom into one of the continent’s best.

Photo: IMAGO

Market Moves and the Cost of Hesitation

All of these forwards bring quality. The real challenge will be acting decisively. Arsenal’s sporting director Andrea Berta reportedly “is a longstanding admirer of Gyokeres,” and he may advocate strongly for him. But Mikel Arteta remains cautious, still weighing up options like Isak or even Sesko.

For Manchester United, the interest in these strikers is real but tepid. Concerns over “Gyokeres’ price tag, potential salary and age” remain sticking points. That kind of caution, however, can be dangerous in a summer where goals could be worth their weight in silverware.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

For Manchester United, this is a defining moment. United’s goal tally has been poor by historical standards, and with Rasmus Hojlund still raw, a proven striker must be priority one. Gyokeres might not be glamorous, but he is effective. His output in Portugal could translate well in England, especially if surrounded by creativity. United’s technical director Jason Wilcox knows Liam Delap from his City days too, and that link cannot be ignored — especially at a reduced £40m price.

For Arsenal, the answer feels more urgent. This is a team ready to challenge for honours, but the lack of a ruthless centre-forward continues to hold them back. Isak is the dream — a technical fit who won’t disrupt the current system — but he feels like one that got away. Gyokeres, while stylistically different, could offer a Darwin Nunez-style physical threat but with more composure. Sesko, meanwhile, is a longer-term solution but lacks the immediate impact Arsenal require. There’s a growing sense that Berta must push harder internally — the club is close, but not complete.

One thing is clear: indecision will be punished. Whoever moves quickly and smartly will hold a huge edge in next season’s title race.