Arsenal have three strikers on transfer shortlist as Gunners move on from Ivan Toney

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta reportedly has his eye on three strikers as he prepares to splash out again this summer - and Ivan Toney isn’t one of them. The Gunners have long been linked with a move for the Brentford forward, with speculation intensifying last month when his manager Thomas Frank admitted his key man could leave in the summer.

However, Toney’s apparent valuation could prove a major stumbling block, with Arsenal’s London rivals wanting close to a three-figure sum for the 27-year-old. And according to the Athletic, Arteta’s focus will instead be on three new targets when the next transfer window opens.

The Spanish boss has been under pressure to purchase a prolific goalscorer, amid concerns a lack of killer instinct could cost his side dear in the Premier League title race last season. And RB Leipzig forward Benjamin Sesko, Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres, and Brighton’s Evan Ferguson are all said to be on the shortlist.

Slovenia striker Sesko has 11 goals in all competitions this season, after spending three years in Austria with Red Bull Salzburg. At just 20, he already has 10 goals on 26 games for his country, and would currently present a far more economical transfer option than Toney.

Swedish striker Gyokeres is already known on British shores, after separate stints with Brighton, Swansea and Coventry. He scored 21 times for the Sky Blues last season to earn a move to Portugal, where he’s been in prolific form with 30 goals in 33 club appearances in the current campaign.

Like Sesko, the 25-year-old has also made his mark at international level, scoring five times. But having also been linked to Manchester United and other European clubs, the north London club may have to be prepared to pay a hefty fee to secure his signature.

And it’s the Red Devils who could also provide competition for Ferguson. At just 19, he would seemingly fit the bill of Arteta’s intention to buy youthful talent in the summer, but the Seagulls appear well aware of his potential worth having signed him to a long-term contract until 2028.

He’s so far scored 16 goals in 58 games for Brighton, and in-keeping with Arsenal’s reported targets, has already made his mark at national level. Having been capped 10 times by Ireland, he’s already struck three times.

What funds are available to Arteta though could be dependent on players departing the Emirates. Having spent more than £200million in the summer, the club have to be wary of Financial Fair Play regulations if they’re to make further signings.