Arsenal are ‘pushing’ for the signing of a centre-forward before Monday’s transfer deadline with the Gunners interested in deals for Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Alexander Isak.
Mikel Arteta wants to reinforce his side’s push for a top-four finish with the signing of a forward this week, though the North Londoners have been frustrated in their pursuit of Dusan Vlahovic from Fiorentina.
Fiorentina are willing to sanction the sale of Vlahovic this month with the 21-year-old having turned down a new deal with the Serie A side, but the Serbia international is believed to favour a move to Juventus over interest from the Premier League.
The Athletic are reporting that Calvert-Lewin and Isak have also featured prominently in discussions among the Gunners’ recruitment team and the club will step up their efforts to bring in a forward in the coming days.
Calvert-Lewin is understood to be open to a move to Arsenal should a deal be agreed with Everton, with the 24-year-old believing a switch to the Emirates can benefit his hopes of securing a place in the England squad ahead of the World Cup in November.
He scored 21 goals in all competitions for Everton last season but has missed much of the current campaign through injury.
Everton would be reluctant to sell the star – valued at around £60m – during the current window, however, given the Toffees’ precarious position near the Premier League’s relegation places.
Isak appears to the easiest deal to conclude before the deadline with the Real Sociedad forward possessing a release clause in his contract with the Spanish side, believed to be around £70m.
The 22-year-old impressed for Sweden at last summer’s European Championship and is viewed as a good fit for Arsenal’s emerging side, with the forward mobile and boasting excellent dribbling skills despite his tall frame.
Arsenal could try to negotiate a lower fee, but have the option to trigger Isak’s release clause should a compromise not be reached with Sociedad.
Luka Jovic has also emerged as a potential option should those aforementioned deals fail, the forward out of favour at Real Madrid and a reported loan target for Arsenal.
