Arsenal choose 'priority' striker transfer target amid Samu Aghehowa links | OneFootball

Arsenal are reported to have identified Newcastle United star Alexander Isak as their "priority" target when it comes to finally recruiting a striker this summer.

Isak has taken the Premier League by storm since arriving at St James' Park in a £63m deal from Real Sociedad in 2022. The Swede has scored 19 times in 25 league appearances this season, taking his total tally in a Newcastle shirt to 57 goals in 99 games for the club.

It has naturally brought interest from bigger teams and Isak's name has been the subject of transfer speculation for a number of months.

Arsenal have been one of the clubs most closely linked. Fabrizio Romano's latest update claims that the Gunners plan to pursue Isak this summer and goes so far as to describe the north London outfit as "obsessed" with the Swede. "Arsenal will be there," the transfer specialist stated in a video uploaded to his YouTube channel.

But Arsenal face two issues. Firstly, Newcastle's immediate stance is that Isak is not considered for sale. That could change if big offers start coming in, but the Magpies aren't expected to flinch unless the numbers start to rise significantly north of £75m. Secondly, Romano added that Liverpool will also "be there" as the Reds seek to offload and upgrade the inconsistent Darwin Nunez.

Liverpool aren't expected to waste time chasing Isak unless he is genuinely available.

The bonus for sides tracking Isak, who is also rumoured to be monitored by Barcelona, is that Newcastle may struggle to meet increased wage demands that would be more affordable for bigger sides.

Liverpool are also interested in Alexander Isak / George Wood/GettyImages

Arsenal's other option to recruit up front remains RB Leipzig talent Benjamin Sesko.

Portuguese outlet Record has reported that, despite claims to the contrary in recent days, there has been no "exploratory approach" for Porto striker Samu Aghehowa (formerly known as Samu Omorodion), either to the club or the player's camp. Having been close to joining Chelsea from Atletico Madrid last summer, the Spain international is tied to a long-term Porto contract with a €100m (£84m) release clause.

The Gunners have lacked a genuine striker for several seasons, repurposing Kai Havertz into a 'number nine' and not trusting Gabriel Jesus to play the role. The last Arsenal player to reach 30 goals in a season was Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang back in 2018/19.