The attacking superstars who are topping Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal wishlist

While Arsenal might have come flying out of the traps when opening up the new campaign, it is no secret that the Gunners suddenly find themselves at the heart of a public struggle.

Suffering a maiden Champions League defeat of the season on Wednesday night as they suffered a 1-0 loss away at Italian giants Inter Milan, Mikel Arteta’s men have won just a pair of their six appearances across all competitions since returning from October’s international break.

With Arsenal electing to not bring in a new number nine over the summer, Arteta should have a mounting headache over his side’s recent struggles in the final third.

With many around the red half of north London making their frustrations clear, it has been suggested over the past few weeks that the Gunners have a new striking star at the top of their wishlist.

With the January transfer window just around the corner, we have taken a look at some of the European marksmen who have been linked with a move to the Emirates.

Viktor Gyokeres – Sporting Lisbon

Bagging a famous Champions League hat-trick against Manchester City on Tuesday night as Sporting Lisbon stormed their way to a remarkable 4-1 victory, Viktor Gyokeres has embarked on a sensational rise to superstardom.

While the Swedish marksman might have only arrived in Lisbon last year following a record-breaking £20million move from Championship outfit Coventry, the 26-year-old has quickly blossomed into one of Europe’s hottest commodities.

Stealing all of the Champions League headlines in midweek, the one-time Brighton youngster has only continued to shatter records by the week since arriving at the Portuguese giants in the summer of 2023.

In fact, opening November with a quartet of goals against Estrela, Gyokeres has now recorded a staggering 12 goals in just his five appearances across all competitions since returning from October’s international break.

While Sporting Lisbon might have managed to keep hold of their striking superstar last summer following heavyweight European interest, The Evening Standard reported on Wednesday that Arsenal are ready to break the bank in order to snap up the 24-cap international.

Alexander Isak – Newcastle

Although the Newcastle hierarchy might have made it abundantly clear that they want to keep hold of attacking talisman Alexander Isak past the January transfer window, it appears that Eddie Howe’s side have a real job on their hands.

With both sides failing to agree on what would be a bumper new contract extension at St. James’ Park, there is growing concern among Newcastle fans that the Swedish international could be eyeing a move away from the North East.

With Howe himself stating last month that Isak’s contract talks are a “complex situation”, it has been suggested heavily over the past fortnight that the former Real Sociedad star is desperate to play Champions League football.

Although Isak might have only arrived at St. James’ Park in the summer of 2022 following a £60million deal with Sociedad, the 25-year-old is now widely regarded as one of the Premier League’s ultimate marksmen.

Bagging a winner against the Gunners last weekend and now finding the net in each of his previous three appearances across all competitions, TEAMtalk are reported on Monday that Isak is keen on securing a move to north London.

Mohamed Kudus – West Ham

With continued speculation that Leandro Trossard could be the next Premier League superstar to cash in his chips and complete a bank-breaking move to Saudi Arabia, it appears that Arteta has already identified his dream replacement.

Brining England international Declan Rice across the capital last summer in what was a blockbuster £105million move from West Ham, The Mirror reported last week that Arsenal are planning another east London raid.

While Mohamed Kudus might have drastically struggled to find any kind of fluidity this season in what is a struggling Hammers side, the former Ajax ace has certainly lit up the Premier League since arriving last year.

Widely regarded as one of the Premier League’s most exciting attacking stars, the 24-year-old recorded 14 top-flight goal contributions last season and this is not the first time that Arsenal have been linked with a move for the Ghanaian poster boy.

With it suggested that Kudus’ release clause at the London Stadium will become active next summer, The Mirror’s report suggested that Arteta’s side are willing to spend in the region of £90million.