“I almost joined Arsenal last summer but Arteta told me ONE thing that made me changed my mind completely and I’m not regretting my decision”: Newcastle United’s striker Alexander Isak has revealed what Arteta told him last summer that blocked his transfer to Arsenal

Arsenal are on the lookout for reinforcements this summer and are said to be advancing in their quest to bring a talented striker to the Emirates Stadium, according to a report.

Arsenal look to navigate past striker injury woe

Mikel Arteta has taken criticism when necessary this season, but the Spaniard has a right to point to the Gunners’ striker shortage as a legitimate barrier to their Premier League title charge.

Unfortunately, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus have both been ruled out for the campaign, creating a scenario where Mikel Merino has transformed into Arsenal’s default centre-forward for the run-in.

Despite netting three in his last five top-flight appearances, the 28-year-old is likely a stop-gap solution to a long-term problem that his side will look to eradicate this summer. Speaking of which, Arsenal have begun the groundwork to sign RB Leipzig rising star Benjamin Sesko after his 17-goal return across all competitions this season.

Fiorentina’s Moise Kean and Inter forward Marcus Thuram are among a clutch of left-field options being explored, but all the noises emanating from north London give the impression that Arteta is likely to go big in the hunt for premium firepower once the window opens.

For a side that sit second in the Premier League table, it may come as a surprise that nobody within the Arsenal ranks has broken double figures in England’s top flight by mid-March. Whether that is an indictment of their injury crisis is debatable, but it does show there are definitely squad improvements that can be made.

Now, Arteta has turned his attention to a high-profile figure who would be well within financial reach for the Gunners despite his growing reputation.

Arsenal in active talks to sign Lille forward Jonathan David

According to reports in France via Sport Witness, Arsenal are in active talks to bring Lille striker Jonathan David to the Emirates Stadium due to his availability as a free agent this summer.

Labelled “special” by former Scotland international Steven Caldwell, the 25-year-old has registered 23 goals and 10 assists in 41 appearances this campaign across all competitions.

Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United are the other Premier League clubs to have made concrete contact with the forward, while Borussia Dortmund are also trying to position themselves as frontrunners for his signature.

The direction of David’s future isn’t confirmed, but the outlet suggests that a move to England would be his preference at this stage in his career. Barcelona and West Ham United were also mentioned, though there is no movement on either front.

Emerging as one of Europe’s most attractive propositions as he is set to be a free agent this summer, it appears the Canada international’s camp are keeping their cards close to their chest amid Arsenal’s growing interest.