Ahead of the summer transfer window, Arsenal is closely monitoring two Super Eagles strikers as part of their 10-man shortlist, compiled by the Gunners’ director of football, Edu Gasper, as reported by the Daily Mirror.
The list includes the Nigerian duo of Victor Osimhen from Napoli and Victor Boniface from Bayer Leverkusen.
Also featured on the list are Ivan Toney, Alexander Isak, and Viktor Gyokeres, who are considered goal-a-game talismans for Sporting CP.
Arsenal, who have scored a Premier League-best of 70 goals, have utilized Kai Havertz as a false nine in the absence of the injured Gabriel Jesus for most of the season under manager Mikel Arteta.
However, Arteta plans to revert to a more traditional number nine system starting next season, prompting Edu to refine their search for the right striker.
Osimhen, ranked as the eighth-best player in the world according to the 2023 Ballon d’Or list, played a key role in Napoli winning their first Scudetto in 33 years last season by scoring 26 Serie A goals.
Despite scoring 13 goals in all competitions this season, compared to 31 the previous season, Osimhen remains highly sought after as one of Europe’s top strikers.
Boniface, who has netted 16 goals and provided nine assists this season, has been sidelined since December due to a groin injury but has returned for Bayer Leverkusen’s crucial matches as they challenge Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga.
Edu’s 10-man shortlist comprises the following players:
– Ivan Toney, 28 years old, Brentford
– Alexander Isak, 24 years old, Newcastle
– Viktor Gyoekeres, 25 years old, Sporting CP
– Victor Osimhen, 25 years old, Napoli
– Lois Openda, 24 years old, RB Leipzig
– Benjamin Sesko, 20 years old, RB Leipzig
– Evanilson, 24 years old, Porto
– Brian Brobbey, 22 years old, Ajax
– Santiago Gimenez, 22 years old, Feyenoord
– Victor Boniface, 23 years old, Bayer Leverkusen