Victor Osimhen and Dusan Vlahovic are on Arsenal’s radar following the club’s failed swoop to sign Benjamin Sesko, talkSPORT understands.
Mikel Arteta has been keen to bring in a No.9 this summer to provide competition for Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus up top.
RB Leipzig starlet Sesko was believed to have been the club’s top target, but he has rebuffed interest from England to remain in Germany for at least another season.
It’s expected that the 21-year-old, who will face England at Euro 2024 when he leads Slovenia’s line, will soon pen fresh terms at the Red Bull Arena.
His decision will see Arsenal shift their attention elsewhere in their bid to bring in a 20-goal striker – something not managed by a centre-forward at the Emirates since Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang during the 2019/20 campaign.
talkSPORT’s chief football correspondet Alex Crook has lifted the lid on Arsenal’s preferred alternatives for Sesko, which includes Napoli marksman Osimhen and Juventus star Vlahovic, who previously rejected the Gunners.
Speaking on talkSPORT he said: “It’s being reported in Germany, and we understand this to be the case, he [Sesko] will sign a new contract, probably with a release clause.
“I think this time next year we’re going to be talking about Sesko again, but it is a blow for Arsenal because they need that No.9.
“Names mentioned to me earlier today in terms of alternatives, the likes of Victor Osimhen, but he’s got a massive release clause [£112million].
“And Vlahovic as well, but obviously they flirted with him before, and he didn’t really give them the time of day, so I can’t really see that one.”
Nigeria international Osimhen is regarded as one of the deadliest strikers in world football having banged in 76 goals during his four-year spell in Italy.
His 26 Serie A goals in the 2022/23 season spearheaded Napoli to their first Scudetto title since 1990.
Chelsea are known to be long-term admirers of the 25-year-old, who has made no secret of his desire to play in the Premier League one day.
Meanwhile Vlahovic, who will also feature against the Three Lions at the Euros due to being one of Serbia’s main men, is no stranger to Arsenal.
The 24-year-old was heavily linked with a switch to north London during the 2022 winter transfer window having dazzled for Fiorentina.
But he instead decided to link up with the Old Lady, where he has fired in 41 goals in 101 games – including the winner in the 2024 Coppa Italia final against Atalanta.
Vlahovic has admitted that a move to Arsenal never crossed his mind, with it remaining to be seen whether Arteta decides to reignite his interest.
Bologna striker Joshua Zirkzee has also emerged as a potential option for Arsenal, with the 23-year-finding the back of the net 12 times during the recent season.
Though it appears unlikely Arsenal will turn their interest into a formal offer as AC Milan look to secure his services.
And Sporting Lisbon goal machine Viktor Gyokeres remains on Arteta’s shortlist having scored 43 goals in his opening season in Portugal.