First, there was Serhou Guirassy, the 28-year-old striker who enjoyed a sensational season with VfB Stuttgart last term, and whose £17 million release clause made him a hugely tempting option to all kinds of European suitors. Arsenal were very much in amongst that chasing pack, so much so that as of last week, Sky Sports were still talking up the prospect of a bid for the Guinean.
But things can change rapidly in football, and in the days, since Guirassy has upped sticks and joined Borussia Dortmund. Suddenly, the Gunners, as well as a whole host of other continental heavyweights, have been left grasping at a dust cloud, and wondering where to turn their attention next.
Arsenal could be left in a similar situation when it comes to Bologna defender Riccardo Calafiori. After a stellar season in Italy, and an eye-catching group stage with the holders during their ill-fated Euro 2024 campaign, the centre-back has emerged as hot property this summer. Indeed, the Gunners are there or thereabouts once more, as are the likes of Chelsea, West Ham, and Liverpool.
But with every passing report, it feels increasingly inevitable that the £40 million man will stay put in Serie A, with a move to Juventus very much on the cards. How close is said transfer? Well, we have reached a point where the gossip columns are now consistently using the word ‘hijack’ in relation to any other club’s apparent interest, which is usually a decent signifier that there are precious few details left to finalise. As a consequence, Arsenal may also have to find an alternative to their defensive recruitment plans too.
But where does that leave the Gunners? As far as their hunt for a striker is concerned, there are three relatively obvious options on the table. One is Benjamin Sesko, although the Slovenian penning a fresh contract with RB Leipzig last month is likely to curtail any immediate exit plans. Another would be Joshua Zirkzee, currently at Bologna, but widespread reports suggest that he could be on his way to Manchester United. And then there is Viktor Gyokeres.
The big Swede has been in electric form for Sporting CP of late, registering 43 goals and 15 assists across a half century of appearances during his debut campaign in Portugal. It is in this context that he has exploded onto Arsenal’s radar, and it is difficult to argue that there are many strikers in Europe who are more prolific at the time of writing. Well-rounded, powerful, and lethal in front of goal, Gyokeres would not come cheap, with a release clause of around £86 million folded into his contract, but sometimes you have to spend big to reap the benefits.
At the back, the Arsenal’s choice could prove to be much simpler. Alongside Calafiori, Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi and Nottingham Forest star Murillo have also been touted as targets, and while the latter impressed immensely during his time in the Premier League, the former’s showing at Euro 2024 - a tournament in which he has been recognised almost universally as England’s best player - reinforces the feeling that if an opportunity to sign him presents itself, the Gunners should take it.
Defensively resolute and composed in possession, it is easy to see why he is attracting admiration from the Emirates, and how he could prove to be a superb acquisition for Mikel Arteta’s men. Again, there are plenty of other clubs chasing him, but Arsenal are very much in the race.
All of this is to say that just because the Gunners have missed out on Guirassy, and may well miss out on Calafiori, they still have plenty of options available to them. Plan B may even prove to be a blessing in disguise.
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