Less than a week into the international break and Arsenal have already been linked with players totaling a staggering £600m in transfer fees*. It’s little surprise, as without domestic football taking place clubs have the chance to truly hone their sights in on potential targets.
Depending on personal opinion, just how many players will depart north London this summer ranges anywhere from five to fifteen, while factoring in who can realistically be moved on and that figure can alter further.
Whatever the outcome with players making way, others will have to be brought in. Across the board Arsenal are in need of reinforcements, from goalkeeper to creative midfielder, with Edu and co set for a fair few all-nighters.
At centre-forward is where it might get interesting.
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Eddie Nketiah can’t get a sniff in the first team, nor can Folarin Balogun, with the pair seemingly set for the exit door this summer. Nketiah may be kept on with a new deal and a loan, but it appears unlikely, while the Balogun mess looks irreparable.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is on a long deal and is the captain, thus he isn’t going anywhere even if fan criticism reaches unbearable and unjust levels.
As with Alexandre Lacazette, the 12 months left to run on his deal come the summer and with his 30’s approaching, the opportunity to cash in is no better than now. Well, not entirely true, as last year would’ve been more financially alluring.
There has been a twist on that front as Mikel Arteta signals his intent to offer the Frenchman a new deal, yet with nothing cut and dry, options need to be sounded out. With the international break on, what better time to have a look at targets than now? Here are five of them.
*this figure is entirely made up
HELMOND, NERHERLANDS – MARCH 24: Donyell Malen of Holland during the World Cup Qualifier match between Turkey and Holland at Ali Sali Yen stadium onMarch 24, 2021 in Helmond, Nerherlands (Photo by Orange pictures/Broer van den Boom/BSR Agency/Getty Images)
Donyell Malen – PSV Eindhoven & Netherlands
Someone tipped as being ‘one for the future’, the rapid rise of Donyell Malen into Dutch international has caught the attentions of sides across the continent, with many keeping their eyes peeled on his performances during this international break.
He’s someone familiar to those from north London, having been snapped up by Ajax from Arsenal’s clutches after not being given the assurances he was after in the youth sides. Malen never made a competitive senior appearance for the Gunners during his two years at the club, only featuring once in a pre-season tour.
Utilised as a winger at Arsenal, since moving to PSV Eindhoven he’s been transformed as a centre-forward, scoring 51 goals and registering 22 assists in 110 matches. He’s only 19 years old.
In terms of style, he’s about as direct as they come.
Malen thrives on putting central defenders in compromising situations, either by dropping off and then turning on the afterburners inviting a ball through or by standing on the shoulder knowing his blistering pace will win the eventual foot race.
His dribbling ability has come on leaps and bounds, so too his physical strength, both vital attributes in a centre-forward.
Is he what Arsenal need? Having let him go and needing to pay a handsome fee to bring him back, adding to his lack of experience in the Premier League, they may feel he’s not the one. However, his talent is unmissable and the Gunners are joined with Liverpool in keeping tabs on him.
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<h2>5 Arsenal striker transfer targets to watch during international break</h2>
<p>Eddie Nketiah can’t get a sniff in the first team, nor can Folarin Balogun, with the pair seemingly set for the exit door this summer. Nketiah may be kept on with a new deal and a loan, but it appears unlikely, while the Balogun mess looks irreparable.</p>
<p>Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is on a long deal and is the captain, thus he isn’t going anywhere even if fan criticism reaches unbearable and unjust levels.</p>
<p>As with Alexandre Lacazette, the 12 months left to run on his deal come the summer and with his 30’s approaching, the opportunity to cash in is no better than now. Well, not entirely true, as last year would’ve been more financially alluring.</p>
<p><a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2021/03/27/5-arsenal-striker-transfer-targets/"https://paininthearsenal.com/2021/03/26/arsenal-transfer-twist-lacazette-deal/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">There has been a twist on that front</a> as Mikel Arteta signals his intent to offer the Frenchman a new deal, yet with nothing cut and dry, options need to be sounded out. With the international break on, what better time to have a look at targets than now? Here are five of them.</p>
<p>*this figure is entirely made up</p>
<div id="attachment_113504" class="wp-caption aligncenter">
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-large wp-image-113504" src=https://paininthearsenal.com/2021/03/27/5-arsenal-striker-transfer-targets/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_389,w_590/https%3A%2F%2Fpaininthearsenal.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2017%2F07%2F1309107084-850x560.jpeg" alt="Arsenal, Donyell Malen" width="590" height="389"><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:590px;">HELMOND, NERHERLANDS – MARCH 24: Donyell Malen of Holland during the World Cup Qualifier match between Turkey and Holland at Ali Sali Yen stadium onMarch 24, 2021 in Helmond, Nerherlands (Photo by Orange pictures/Broer van den Boom/BSR Agency/Getty Images)</p>
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<h2>Donyell Malen – PSV Eindhoven & Netherlands</h2>
<p>Someone tipped as being ‘one for the future’, the rapid rise of Donyell Malen into Dutch international has caught the attentions of sides across the continent, with many keeping their eyes peeled on his performances during this international break.</p>
<p>He’s someone familiar to those from north London, having been snapped up by Ajax from Arsenal’s clutches after not being given the assurances he was after in the youth sides. Malen never made a competitive senior appearance for the Gunners during his two years at the club, only featuring once in a pre-season tour.</p>
<p>Utilised as a winger at Arsenal, since moving to PSV Eindhoven he’s been transformed as a centre-forward, scoring 51 goals and registering 22 assists in 110 matches. He’s only 19 years old.</p>
<p>In terms of style, he’s about as direct as they come.</p>
<p>Malen thrives on putting central defenders in compromising situations, either by dropping off and then turning on the afterburners inviting a ball through or by standing on the shoulder knowing his blistering pace will win the eventual foot race.</p>
<p>His dribbling ability has come on leaps and bounds, so too his physical strength, both vital attributes in a centre-forward.</p>
<p>Is he what Arsenal need? Having let him go and needing to pay a <em>handsome</em> fee to bring him back, adding to his lack of experience in the Premier League, they may feel he’s not the one. However, his talent is unmissable and the Gunners are joined with Liverpool in keeping tabs on him.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background: #c01f2f" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2021/03/27/5-arsenal-striker-transfer-targets/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> African in Austria </a>
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<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-large wp-image-113505" src=https://paininthearsenal.com/2021/03/27/5-arsenal-striker-transfer-targets/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_389,w_590/https%3A%2F%2Fpaininthearsenal.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2017%2F07%2F1304238421-850x560.jpeg" alt="Arsenal, Patson Daka" width="590" height="389"><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:590px;">VILLARREAL, SPAIN – FEBRUARY 25: Patson Daka of RB Salzburg looks on during the UEFA Europa League Round of 32 second leg match between Villarreal CF and RB Salzburg at Estadio de la Ceramica on February 25, 2021 in Villarreal, Spain. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)</p>
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<h2>Patson Daka – Red Bull Salzburg & Zambia</h2>
<p>A name on everyone’s lips at the minute is Patson Daka, whose outstanding scoring rates at Red Bull Salzburg have courted the attentions of major Premier League outfits, helped by a flirtatious £17m asking price.</p>
<p>A Zambian international, he strangely hasn’t been able to replicate his club form to his country, with just five goals in 24 outings. That said, he’s been involved with Zambia since 2015, when he was just 16, so his numbers were never going to read as well.</p>
<p>In 2021, he’s scored twice in just one appearance already, both coming from the spot in their AFCON qualifying 3-3 draw with Algeria, one that confirmed Zambia will not be playing in the competition next year.</p>
<p>His array of goals for Salzburg are worth multiple highlight reels, from back post tap-ins to measure angled efforts into the top corner, as well as flicked headers and neat near-post finishes. Daka is too good for the division he is in, much like Erling Haaland was – albeit not <em>that </em>good – and a summer sale looks on the cards.</p>
<p>Standing at over six foot tall and boasting a great physical profile to deal with bruising central defenders, it’s no surprise that Arsenal are joined by Liverpool, Manchester United and Manchester City in keeping tabs on him.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background: #c01f2f" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2021/03/27/5-arsenal-striker-transfer-targets/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> New Zlatan </a>
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<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-large wp-image-113506" src=https://paininthearsenal.com/2021/03/27/5-arsenal-striker-transfer-targets/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_389,w_590/https%3A%2F%2Fpaininthearsenal.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2017%2F07%2F1231934291-850x560.jpeg" alt="Arsenal, Alexander Isak" width="590" height="389"><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:590px;">STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN – MARCH 25: Alexander Isak of Sweden reacts during the FIFA World Cup 2022 Qatar qualifying match between Sweden and Georgia on March 25, 2021 in Stockholm, Sweden. (Photo by Michael Campanella/Getty Images)</p>
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<h2>Alexander Isak – Real Sociedad & Sweden</h2>
<p>What Arsenal need is an efficient goalscorer, someone who encapsulates elements of both Aubameyang and Lacazette, but with an aerial ability neither of the two possess.</p>
<p>First glance at <a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2021/03/27/5-arsenal-striker-transfer-targets/"https://www.whoscored.com/Players/299254/Show/Alexander-Isak" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Alexander Isak</a> may be enough to put most people off, as the main criticism of him has been his scoring rate. Last season he managed just nine goals in 37 La Liga outings following his move from Borussia Dortmund.</p>
<p>This season has been vastly improved, with Isak registering 12 goals in 24 La Liga appearances, with 20 of those being from the start. The Swede has been likened to Zlatan Ibrahimovic, mainly down to his tall frame and nationality.</p>
<p>What Isak has over his compatriot is speed. Standing at 6ft’ 3in” tall his pace in behind is surprising for someone of his stature, as is his technical ability. Isak likes drifting out wide to form other attacking lanes for his teammates, where is is more than willing to take on his man one-on-one.</p>
<p>Key for Arsenal is having someone who can provide a threat in the air. Lacazette scores the occasional header, as does Aubameyang, but these come when the pair are unchallenged. Otherwise, they’ll almost always lose the duel.</p>
<p>Isak has three headed goals this season, although his aerial success rate of 34.5% isn’t the greatest. He could still do with bulking up a bit.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background: #c01f2f" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2021/03/27/5-arsenal-striker-transfer-targets/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> French wantaway </a>
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<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-large wp-image-113507" src=https://paininthearsenal.com/2021/03/27/5-arsenal-striker-transfer-targets/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_389,w_590/https%3A%2F%2Fpaininthearsenal.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2017%2F07%2F1305784976-850x560.jpeg" alt="Arsenal, Odsonne Edouard" width="590" height="389"><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:590px;">DUNDEE, SCOTLAND – MARCH 07: Odsonne Edouard of Celtic takes a knee in support of the Black Lives Matter movement prior to the Ladbrokes Scottish Premiership match between Dundee and Celtic at Tannadice Park on March 07, 2021 in Dundee, Scotland. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)</p>
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<h2>Odsonne Edouard – Celtic & France Under-21</h2>
<p>Can’t get rid of him, can we? And, it seems, neither can Celtic. Not that they want to sell him, mind you.</p>
<p>That chase for Odsonne Edouard that was taking place below the Scottish border has eased up, indeed; for every club interested. Question marks over his form have resulted in Leicester, among others, losing interest in a player they feel <a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2021/03/27/5-arsenal-striker-transfer-targets/"https://paininthearsenal.com/2021/02/15/arsenal-sign-edouard-bargain-price/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">isn’t worthy of the £20m price tag</a> Celtic are after.</p>
<p>If there was ever going to be a time to put yourself in the shop window and secure the move you’ve been after for more than a season, it’s for the France Under-21 side in the European Championships. Sort of.</p>
<p>Therefore it will have done him no favours to have a poor afternoon in his nation’s opener against Denmark, which Les Bleus lost 1-0 despite the wealth of talent at their disposal.</p>
<p>Edouard has undoubted ability. This season may have seen a slight drop-off but he is still scoring at a rate almost identical to last season – and Celtic have been supremely poor on top of that.</p>
<p>For such a bargain fee it won’t be long before the waters are tested at Parkhead, and they will reach whirlpool stage if Edouard starts firing in the goals for his country.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background: #c01f2f" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2021/03/27/5-arsenal-striker-transfer-targets/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Portuguese goal machine </a>
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<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-large wp-image-113508" src=https://paininthearsenal.com/2021/03/27/5-arsenal-striker-transfer-targets/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_389,w_590/https%3A%2F%2Fpaininthearsenal.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2017%2F07%2F1231910626-850x560.jpeg" alt="Arsenal, Andre Silva" width="590" height="389"><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:590px;">Portugal’s forward Andre Silva gestures during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 qualification football match between Portugal and Azerbaijan on March 24, 2021 at the Juventus Stadium. (Photo by Marco BERTORELLO / AFP) (Photo by MARCO BERTORELLO/AFP via Getty Images)</p>
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<h2>Andre Silva – Eintracht Frankfurt & Portugal</h2>
<p>Erling Haaland has scored 21 Bundesliga goals this season. So has <a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2021/03/27/5-arsenal-striker-transfer-targets/"https://fbref.com/en/players/3effaa34/Andre-Silva" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Andre Silva</a>.</p><div class="widget fs_ads"> <div class="fs_ad_widget-ad" style="margin:0 auto; width: 300px;"> <div class="fs-ll-ad" data-ad-type="minutemedia_slideshow_inline_300x250__desktop__tablet" data-vendor="minutemedia">
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<p>Credit where it is due, Silva has battled his way through adversity to get to this stage in his career. With one breakout season in Porto he earned his big move to AC Milan, where nothing went right for the striker.</p>
<p>He could only muster two Serie A goals in 24 outings, and ten overall, before Milan had enough and sent him on loan to Sevilla. While his strike rate in La Liga was better, Silva still only managed 11 goals for the season and another temporary move, this time a two-year loan deal to Eintracht Frankfurt, came about.</p>
<p>One season later they signed him permanently, and now he has 38 goals in just 63 appearances for the club. On course to break <em>further </em>club records, he’s attracting the gaze of none other than Manchester United.</p>
<p>For someone to have struggled to match the heights he set himself earlier in his career, the 25-year-old has impeccable composure in front of goal. Outscoring his xG in the Bundesliga by three goes some way to confirming that.</p>
<p>As for his other attributes, instinctive yet measured movement in the box stands out, as does his link up play with teammates where clever ball control helps sustain attacks. He works hard too, pressing intensely to recover possession high up the pitch in counter-pressing actions.</p>
<div class="fs-shortcode" data-type="StoryLink" data-theme="dark" data-text="Dybala the backup" data-url="https://paininthearsenal.com/2021/03/26/arsenal-juve-dybala-odegaard-alternative/" data-call-to-action="Next"> <div class="story-link-next"> <a class="story-link-next-btn" style="background: #c01f2f" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="story-link-next-shortcode" href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2021/03/27/5-arsenal-striker-transfer-targets/"https://paininthearsenal.com/2021/03/26/arsenal-juve-dybala-odegaard-alternative/"> <span class="call_to_action">Next:</span> Dybala the backup </a> </div>
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<p>Watch him for Portugal in the qualifiers. Arsenal will be, too.</p><!—pageview_candidate—></p>">
