Transfer Tracker: Arsenal's striker list grows

A week closer to the summer transfer window opening, more player rumors are linked to Arsenal. A decisive win against Chelsea helped boost confidence for Arsenal to believe in a top-four finish again as they approach the weekend to face Manchester United at home. However, before that kick-off on Saturday, this week will focus on a new set of players who have emerged as potential transfers for the Gunners and which links could be a simple rumor.

1. Lautaro Martinez

Another striker is linked to Arsenal, and it should come as no surprise to Arsenal fans. Arsenal maintains the same position as they've been in since the end of the January transfer window. They have two strikers who will have contracts run out in June and no proper experienced striker remaining in the squad. Enter Lautaro Martinez. A player linked to an Arsenal move in the last three transfer windows, Martinez could be a striker that could significantly bolster Mikel Arteta'sArteta's attack upfront. It was reported by the Italian media outlet Gazzetta dello Sport that Arsenal leads the race for his signing. Still, there are conflicting reports from Tuttomercatoweb that if Martinez makes a move to the Premier League, he'd prefer a move to Liverpool over Arsenal. This is a transfer rumor to keep an eye on because he's been so heavily linked to Arsenal in the last year, especially the previous two transfer windows, that Arsenal may have an opportunity to swoop in. It's well known that Inter Milans' financial state of the club is not where they'd like it to be, so they could be willing to sell at the right price. From an Arsenal perspective, this will not be a cheap transfer. This will likely break the club record transfer fee (held by Nicholas Pepe currently) and may even exceed €100m (£83m) if they want Martinez.

2. Youri Tielemans

The Leicester City midfielder and Belgian international has impressed since arriving in the Premier League, and Arsenal is looking to strengthen their central midfield. Tielemans has only one year remaining on his contract, and there have been no indications of reports that he is looking to extend his contract with Leicester City. Leicester City manager Brendan Rodgers has already stated that it would take £25m for the club to let him leave this summer. It could be an offer Arsenal could find hard to pass up this upcoming summer. Arsenal has struggled with their central midfield since Thomas Partey went out with an injury. Many reports suggest Arsenal is looking to bring in an "experienced" central midfielder this summer, so the Tielemans rumors may be one to watch.

3. Marcel Sabitzer

After less than a year since joining Bayern Munich, midfielder Marcel Sabitzer looks to be on the move this summer. Since joining from RB Leipzig, Sabitzer has received inconsistent playing time and few starts under Bayern Munich manager Julian Nagelsmann. Bild first reported that the midfielder could come at just £13m. Clubs interested in Sabitzer seem to be Arsenal and Athletico Madrid, so if it were to come down to those two clubs Champions League may prove to be essential for Arsenal'sArsenal's recruitment. While Sabitzer struggled this season, he finished a strong campaign the year before, with Leipzig scoring nine goals and bagging seven assists in all competitions. The 28-year-old will most likely be looking for more consistent playing time, and just like the Tielemans case, Arsenal lack strength and depth in their central midfield, so a veteran player like Sabitzer may be one that Arteta wants at that low of a transfer fee.

4. Lucas Paquetá

Brazilian transfer reporter Jorge Nicola reported that both Newcastle United and Arsenal are looking to pursue Lyon and Brazil international attacking midfielder Lucas Paquetá. Nicola says that Arsenal'sArsenal's Technical Director Edu is keen to bring him to Arsenal. The reported fee would be £66million, but depending on the list of priorities on what position to bring in, an attacking midfielder at that price may be difficult for Arsenal. However, Newcastle United already bought Paquetá's former teammate Bruno Guimarães in the January transfer window so they may be the front-runners on this transfer. For now, it appears that Arsenal is scouting and keeping tabs on Paquetá, but nothing seems to be concrete from Arsenal'sArsenal's standpoint as of now.

5. Victor Osimhen

Another striker link from Serie A is coming from the Italian media outlet Gazzetta dello Sport; it's reported that Napoli and Nigerian international Victor Osimhen could be coming to Arsenal this summer. However, if the Gunners can sign him, it will not come cheap. Napoli is looking for a minimum of €100m (£83m) before discussing a possible transfer. A report from teamtalk has revealed that Napoli's president Aurelio de Laurentiis is keen on Osimhen staying with the club. Furthermore, it was also said that while Arsenal made an impression on Osimhen, it would not be his first choice destination. This transfer rumor could have some traction because Arsenal was tracking the striker when he was at Lille but never made any formal offers. One of the positions that'll carry an abundance of transfer rumors this summer will be the striker position for Arsenal, so it may be a long waiting game for Arsenal fans before they see their new striker for next season.

6. Cody Gakpo

A traditional left-winger for PSV, the Daily Mail and reporter Freddie Paxton report that Arsenal has a genuine interest in the 22-year-old Dutch international. Gakpo has impressed this season, scoring 18 goals and bagging 15 assists in 42 games for PSV. It's been rumored for the past couple of weeks that Arsenal scouts were at some of his games and that they were inquiring about a possible fee for Gakpo. Regardless if Arsenal finishes top-four if they finish in a European competition spot, they'll need to add depth in almost every position. Gakpo'sGakpo's transfer could depend on a departure such as Nicholas Pepe leaving or possibly changing Gakpo'sGakpo's traditional position to a more central forward role. Out of all the transfer rumors, this one seems to be further along than others and could be one of the first transfer deals done in the summer for Arsenal. PSV is reportedly asking for a fee of £25m-£40m.

With only six remaining matches in the Premier League, Arsenal will be focusing on each one like a cup final. In these next six games, it could prove pivotal for their recruitment plans in the summer, not only from a financial mindset but also from a recruitment mindset when it comes to recruiting players to be a part of the project. As the quote continues to echo from Mikel Arteta, it's a reminder to Arsenal fans, "It doesn't need much convincing, and if they do, for me, it's not a good starting point...if I have to convince a player to stay or to join us. To Arsenal? It holds me back a little bit," (Goal). This summer will have to prove just that, as it could be the biggest one in the past decade.