2 heavily-linked Arsenal striker targets ruled out | OneFootball

Arsenal aren’t looking to bring in Ivan Toney or Alexander Isak this summer as they pursue a younger striker, according to a report.

BRENTFORD, ENGLAND: Ivan Toney of Brentford reacts during the Premier League match between Brentford FC and Nottingham Forest at Gtech Community Stadium on January 20, 2024. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)

John Cross of the Mirror reports that Arsenal were definitely keen on Brentford’s Ivan Toney earlier in the season, but their interest has now waned, and it’s highly unlikely he’ll join the Gunners this summer.

Arsenal have also been linked with Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak, but Cross claims he won’t be making the move to north London either.

Though Arsenal have monitored Isak in the past, the report suggests they’re no longer interested, especially at Newcastle’s asking price of £120m.

Instead, Cross writes that Arsenal are looking for someone younger, with Kai Havertz’s success allowing them to be patient with a new signing.

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MANCHESTER, ENGLAND: Leandro Trossard of Arsenal celebrates scoring his team’s first goal with teammate Kai Havertz during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Arsenal FC at Old Trafford on May 12, 2024. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

Though he’s not mentioned in the Mirror’s report, that could make a move for Benjamin Sesko more likely.

Recent reports suggested that Arsenal have a strong interest in RB Leipzig striker Sesko, and they’re considering a summer move for the young forward.

Rival suitors for the player reportedly believe Arsenal are in pole position for the signing, with the Gunners prioritising a move to strengthen their squad in forward areas in the upcoming window.

LEIPZIG, GERMANY: Benjamin Sesko of Leipzig celebrates scoring his team’s second goal during the Bundesliga match between RB Leipzig and VfL Wolfsburg at Red Bull Arena on April 13, 2024. (Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images)

One of the upsides of the pursuit of Sesko is that he has a release clause, which previously stood at £43m. But subsequent reports have suggested the clause has increased based on his recent performances, and could now be as high as £64m.

Sesko’s agent Elvis Basanovic has been pictured at a couple of Arsenal games in recent weeks, sharing photos at the Emirates Stadium before the 5-0 thrashing of Chelsea and at Old Trafford before the 1-0 win at the weekend.

But it’s worth mentioning that Sesko has also been linked with Manchester United and Chelsea, and the agent attended Chelsea’s match against Manchester United on April 4th and United’s match against Liverpool on March 17th.

The striker has 17 goals and two assists in 41 games (21 starts) this season, averaging a goal or assist every 103 minutes.