Arsenal

Joe Bradshaw
BBC Sport Senior Journalist

Image source, Getty Images

On Thursday, our senior football correspondent Sami Mokbel outlined three potential summer targets to plug the hole up front for Arsenal.

Sporting's Viktor Gyokeres, Newcastle's Alexander Isak and Benjamin Sesko of RB Leipzig would all come with strong credentials, intriguing skillsets - and high price tags.

But what can this season's data tell us about the trio?

We took a look.

As the above graph shows, on pure numbers, 27-year-old Gyokeres leads the list.

He has played more minutes than the other two across domestic and European competition, but when whittled down to his metrics per 90, he is comfortably the highest performing.

Most shots on target, most chances created for others and highest goal contributions.

No wonder European scouts have been flocking to Sporting fixtures this season.

Arguably he is playing in the weakest league of the three, but he has still cleaned up, scoring 44 goals in 2024-25, including a hat-trick against Manchester City in the autumn.

A criticism levelled at Arsenal during the Champions League semi-finals was a lack of ruthlessness - perhaps unfair given Gianluigi Donnarumma's excellence for Paris St-Germain, but nevertheless an issue that has dogged them this season.

In Gyokeres, Arsenal would get one of Europe's most lethal marksmen. Not only has he bagged 44 goals, his shot conversion rate of 28.4% is similar to that of Erling Haaland (29.2%) in his record-breaking 2022-23 season.

Meanwhile, Arsenal fans need no reminding of Isak's predatory instincts after his exploits against them in the Carabao Cup semi-finals earlier this year.

Since his arrival at St James' Park three seasons ago, he has consistently been among the most clinical in the Premier League.

Only Chris Wood's barely believable 32% conversion rate for Nottingham Forest edges out Isak's 25% from top spot in this year's striker rates.

As for Sesko, his 20.2% conversion rate does not leap off the page, albeit it is better than Kai Havertz has managed in either of his two seasons at Emirates Stadium.

Of the players to score more than five Premier League goals for Arsenal this season, Mikel Merino has the highest conversion rate of 18.8% - 10% lower than Gyokeres.

One season is a small sample size and this is only a tiny hint at the data Arsenal's recruitment team will be poring over in readiness for the summer transfer window.

Whichever direction Arsenal take will cost a huge amount of money - and it feels like they cannot afford to get it wrong.

Choose which striker you would prefer

Alex Fletcher
BBC Sport journalist

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has been speaking to the media before Sunday's Premier League game against Liverpool (kick-off 16:30 BST).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Arteta called Wednesday's loss to Paris St-Germain: "One of the saddest but also one of the proudest moments that I have had as a manager."

• He added that he "100%" believed Arsenal were the better team in the game, but conceded it "doesn't matter [as they] couldn't make it count".

• On whether his side have taken a step forwards: "For sure in the Champions League we have because we have done better than last season, but not what we want because we want to win it. In the Premier League we have taken a step backwards, the points that we have created it is clear that we haven't done as good as last season - that is obvious."

• On winning major trophies: "This is where we are, when we come close to winning big trophies and don't achieve it, this has to be part of the journey to get up and go again in different competitions and perform at the highest level."

• On giving Liverpool a guard of honour: "They deserve it. They have been the better team and what Arne (Slot) and the coaching staff have done has been fascinating. [They have been] the most consistent team this season and when someone's better you have to applaud."

• Arteta was asked if giving a guard of honour will inspire his players for next season: "Something has to drive and motivate you, that is part of sport. Sometimes pain can be a good way of doing this."

Follow all of Friday's Premier League news conferences and the rest of the day's football news

Full commentary of Liverpool v Arsenal from 16:30 BST on BBC Radio 5 Live on Sunday

BBC Radio 5 Live commentator Ian Dennis believes Mikel Arteta has been "let down" by the club's hierarchy.

Arsenal have had issues with finding a suitable striker this season and Dennis believes this contributed to their Champions League exit against Paris St-Germain.

Speaking on The Commentators' View podcast he said:

"There is a narrative now about Mikel Arteta and how far he's taken Arsenal and have they progressed or regressed, but I can't help but feeling he's been let down by the hierarchy.

"They've needed a centre-forward for so long and yet they never addressed it last summer. For all the money that they have spent, they never addressed one of their key and vulnerable areas."

Fellow BBC commentator John Murray added:

"Who [would have] thought that Arsenal would reach the Champions League semi-finals? Not many.

"I think he [Arteta] can say he's reached a Champions League semi-final and [in the past] reached a Europa League semi-final. But clearly they've got to take that next step. They need that goalscorer."

Asked about needing to strengthen his squad to win trophies, Mikel Arteta said:

"We are already there. With the amount of points in the past few seasons, we could have two Premier Leagues – we are providing the numbers that give you titles.

"There are many factors that you need to go your way but these are all fine margins. [Next season] we have to amplify the margins."

Listen to the full episode of the The Commentators' View - Football Daily podcast here.

Full commentary of Liverpool v Arsenal from 16:30 BST on BBC Radio 5 Live on Sunday.

Image source, Getty Images

"Nobody has rattled PSG like Arsenal did", but the Ligue 1 champions still "deserved to win", says French football expert Julien Laurens.

Despite having more possession, shots and a higher xG than Paris St-Germain, the Gunners still succumbed to a 3-1 aggregate defeat in the Champions League semi-final on Wednesday.

However, Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta suggested that the better side had lost.

Laurens told the BBC Radio 5 Live Euro Leagues podcast: "He [Arteta] has to be positive. I can understand his point of view, his communication to pick up the players because they have a big game on Sunday against Liverpool in the Premier League.

"If you look at the stats – and we are all a fan of stats – with expected goals, they won the xG battle home and away. Across the two legs they had a higher xG than PSG. They had 20 shots at the Parc des Princes on Wednesday night - no team has left that stadium with 20 shots. Nobody has rattled PSG like Arsenal did for the first 20 minutes of the game on Wednesday night.

"Overall, I still think PSG deserved to win. It was fine margins, but there was no way PSG or Arsenal were going to walk this semi-final, as neither Barcelona or Inter Milan would, because the teams are too good and the stakes are too high – it is not that simple."

Guillem Balague added: "The argument I think [PSG boss] Luis Enrique was putting across is that his side were better in both boxes, which is something Arteta will admit, but the stats proved the performance of Arsenal deserved more.

"Donnarumma was man of the match in both games. There is a good argument why Arteta said that but I think he was reading the room. He in his head could sense that it was another year without trophies, failure was coming to get them and he was just defending his side."

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City have all made contact to sign Brazil winger Rodrygo, 24, from Real Madrid. (Tbrfootball), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Friday's full gossip column

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Katie Stafford
BBC Sport journalist

Image source, Getty Images

Mikel Arteta believes Arsenal were the best team in the Champions League this season, but is he right?

Reaching the semi-finals does suggest they are one of the better sides given 36 clubs were involved this year, but how do Arsenal compare against finalists Paris St-Germain and Inter Milan?

Inter are the most in-form team in the Champions League, losing only once to Bayer Leverkusen in December, and winning 10 of their games.

Arsenal won nine of their games before being knocked out on Wednesday but were one of nine teams that lost three matches across the campaign.

Perhaps surprisingly, PSG have lost the most of the three teams, being defeated five times during the league stage. Luis Enrique's side have, however, won 10 matches overall, a reflection of their dominance in knockout football.

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Arsenal needing a number nine has been the ongoing talking point of the past two seasons and it has been further highlighted through the injuries of Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus.

But in contrast to their Premier League record, the Gunners have had no issues putting the ball in the back of the net in Europe.

They scored 31 goals in the competition - more than their XG of 27.27 - and produced 84 shots on target, despite playing the latter stages of the competition with a makeshift centre-forward in Mikel Merino.

PSG have had 111 attempts on target converting 33 of those to goals, while Inter Milan registered 65 shots on target, scoring only 26 times.

Of the three teams, it is Arsenal's backline that gets the plaudits. The centre-back pairing of William Saliba and Gabriel has continued to shine, with Arsenal only shipping 10 goals throughout the whole competition.

Interestingly, four of those have come since the Brazilian was ruled out at the beginning of April for the remainder of the season with a hamstring injury.

Even so, that defensive solidity means they have the best goal difference of anyone in the competition with 21, bettering PSG's 18 and Inter's 15.

Aside from the numbers, it is worth noting that Inter Milan have had a more favourable run of fixtures compared with Arsenal and PSG.

The Gunners saw off Sporting Lisbon and PSV Eindhoven convincingly, with the latter finishing 9-3 on aggregate.

They then dismantled 15-time champions Real Madrid 5-1 over two legs in the quarter-final with Declan Rice producing two world-class free-kicks that will be remembered for decades to come. It is understandable why people had high hopes for the Gunners after that promising display.

But PSG also deserve their share of the flowers. It would not be unfair to say they started the competition poorly by taking 13 points from eight games in the league stage. But post-Christmas, Enrique's side found their feet.

They put 10 past Brest over two legs and eliminated Manchester City, favourites Liverpool and now Arsenal.

It cannot be said they have had an easy run to the final.

Arteta does have some evidence for his claim Arsenal have been the best team in the Champions League this season - but it is hard to argue against the two finalists being more deserving.

The ultimate answer will come on Saturday, 31 May - and Arsenal will not be there.

Sami Mokbel
Senior football correspondent

What comes next for Arsenal? Can they get to the next level? And which players are they looking at as they try to strengthen their squad?

This will be a significant summer, and new sporting director Andrea Berta, who joined the club from Atletico Madrid in March, will be a key figure.

Here, we take you through the club's plans as they stand - pulled together from multiple sources.

Unsurprisingly, a striker is top of their list of targets, with Alexander Isak, Benjamin Sesko and Viktor Gyokeres all coveted.

Isak the dream target

Image source, Getty Images

It is no secret Arsenal want to spend a large portion of their summer budget on a new striker.

At the top of Arteta's wishlist is Newcastle frontman Isak, and a move for the Sweden international has almost universal backing from those behind the scenes at Emirates Stadium.

Well-placed sources have told BBC Sport that Isak would be open to a move to London, though he is likely to have other options - with Liverpool also interested.

All of his suitors are likely to run into the same obstacle: cost.

There is an acknowledgement at Arsenal that signing Isak would wipe out the vast majority of their budget - and with other positions to strengthen, a deal for the 25-year-old may be unlikely.

Sesko a long-term option

Image source, Getty Images

Arsenal have had Benjamin Sesko on their radar for a while now and the forward was close to joining the club last summer.

Arsenal enquired again in January, but the German club were adamant they had no intention of selling and the Gunners did not want to antagonise them before a potential negotiation this summer.

Slovenia international Sesko has scored 26 goals this season - already an improvement on the 23 he hit last year. At 21, he fits the ideal age profile for Arsenal in terms of financial and technical growth.

Gyokeres a realistic and favoured option

Image source, Getty Images

The appointment of Berta has resulted in Victor Gyokeres' stock rising, with sources in recent weeks indicating there is considerable internal backing for a move for the Swede, despite much of the groundwork having been completed on a deal for Sesko.

Like Sesko, Gyokeres has a release clause as well and the indications are their clubs are willing to negotiate lower fees.

At this stage, sources suggest Gyokeres, who has scored 38 league goals this season, is the most economical signing of the two.

But prior to Berta's arrival there were concerns whether Gyokeres' form in Portugal would translate to top-level performances in the Premier League.

Similarly, the fact he will turn 27 before next season presents a financial dilemma given the likely outlay.

Read the full piece over here

Image source, Getty Images

Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard believes the club must take lessons from their Champions League semi-final loss against Paris St-Germain.

The result ensured Arsenal will have gone five years without a trophy under Mikel Arteta but the Norway midfielder wants his team-mates to use this experience as an opportunity to improve for next season:

"It's very painful to be honest," said Odegaard. "We started the game really well, on the front foot, took control and created some big moments.

"But again, in the boxes, that's where the games are decided and we weren't good enough. That's where we have to be sharper and more clinical and also not concede the goals like we have done."

Odegaard has been at the club since 2021 but is yet to lift silverware. Wednesday marked the fourth straight semi-final that Arsenal have lost but the 26-year-old believes his team will recover.

"We wanted to go all the way and to bring trophies to this club and to our supporters," he said. "We've had some tough moments during my time here and I feel like every time we've come back stronger. So that's the only thing you can do. We have to stick together."

Image source, Getty Images

Former Arsenal assistant first-team coach Steve Round speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live on the Gunners' Champions League exit: "Over the two legs, although Arsenal played well, they didn't quite do enough to win the game. They were brilliant in the first 15 minutes - but they didn't convert the chances.

On whether Arsenal desperately need a number nine: "Yes and no. They have been unfortunate with injuries but the old adage of the striker only performs in the box is now gone. Most teams have centre-forwards who are good all over the pitch. Arsenal will be looking for a number nine who can help in the box, as well as on build-up and high press."

On Mikel Arteta needing to win silverware: "His focus and intensity to win is incredible - this won't have deterred him one bit. He will be incredibly disappointed not to go to the next step.

"But remember this team is in its infancy in the Champions League. Manchester City were in the competition for a long time before they won it. You grow, build, adapt and you get better. Arsenal definitely improved between the two legs in this game.

"Eighteen other teams in the Premier League would swap places with Arsenal right now. Unfortunately, they came up against an exceptional team in Liverpool, who had a brilliant season.

"The team is growing and the silverware will come. If you keep the nucleus of the team together and recruit well this summer, they can push forward and will be successful next year."

Alex Howell
BBC Sport football news reporter

Image source, Getty Images

After Arsenal's loss to Paris St-Germain, the immediate talk after the match was how it is now five years since the Gunners have lifted a trophy under Mikel Arteta.

It is not a given that any club should win trophies but Arsenal are excellent under Arteta and the progression he has made at the club means fans feel the next step is winning regular silverware.

Arteta has got Arsenal back into the Champions League and they are consistent title challengers in the Premier League.

However, the same criticism has been repeatedly given to Arteta's side and that is that they lack a cutting edge in the final third.

They have suffered injuries but there have been many games this season where Arsenal have dominated, had chances but not taken them and ultimately lost.

Arsenal finished this semi-final second leg with an expected goal ratio of 3.14. That reads like Arsenal were wasteful in front of goal which is not the whole story.

A huge part of the reason that Arsenal couldn't score was the excellent performances of Gianluigi Donnarumma across both ties, but there were also occasions where balls into the box were not attacked as Arsenal do not have a natural goalscorer in their squad.

The Gunners have been linked with Viktor Gyokeres, Benjamin Sesko and Alexander Isak and all are liked internally but there is a huge summer ahead for Mikel Arteta and sporting director Andrea Berta.

Isak would be hugely expensive, Newcastle will not want to sell their top scorer and a deal will be even harder to do if they qualify for the Champions League.

There is no doubt Arsenal must sign a striker this summer but the challenge will be navigating a market where everyone knows what they need.

Phil McNulty
Chief football writer in the Parc des Princes

Image source, Getty Images

Arsenal delivered a top-class display in Paris, but the bitter truth is they could not deliver enough of the "magic moments" manager Mikel Arteta had demanded and their barren run without a trophy now extends to five years.

They stunned Paris St-Germain and their supporters with a blistering early salvo, but Declan Rice headed a great chance wide before Gianluigi Donnarumma again broke their hearts and hopes of a comeback.

Arteta could not have asked for more from his players against this talented PSG team, who beat Manchester City in the league phase, then eliminated Liverpool and Aston Villa in the knockout rounds.

Arsenal could not turn their early domination into the goal that would have applied pressure on a nervous PSG in those opening stages, leaving them at risk from the danger Luis Enrique's side possess.

And so it proved with Georgian genius Khvicha Kvaratskhelia hitting the post and Bradley Barcola forcing a fine save from Raya before Ruiz broke the deadlock.

How Arsenal cried out for a natural striker when they had control. Emergency striker Mikel Merino provided a focal point but little else in terms of attacking threat.

Arsenal's players, understandably, looked crestfallen as Parc des Princes was engulfed in wild scenes of celebration.

Arteta now has to lift them to ensure they finish in the Premier League's top five and return to the Champions League next season.

More from Phil

Following Arsenal's Champions League exit at the hands of Paris St-Germain, we asked you to have your say on the game.

Here are some of your comments:

Wendy: Feel so sorry for the team as it is a devastating result. With Gianluigi Donnarumma in goal, it was an almost impossible task. Getting to the semi-final has been a fantastic achievement though given the season's problems for the Gunners. A bold goal from Bukayo Saka provided a small healing plaster, at least. All go now for keeping our place as 'the best of the rest' in the league table.

Ash: I think that reaching the semi-finals is about right. PSG are a slick outfit with matchwinners that Arsenal lack. Arsenal need to go big in the summer transfer window and find those game changers that are needed to go and win something.

Vince: Deflated. So many what ifs. At least we went out fighting. The better team lost over these two legs. We could have won if Gabriel was around, or if Thomas Partey hadn't missed the first game, or if we had bought a striker in January. Or if Donnaruma wasn't in perfect form! But ifs never win trophies so let's just plan better and go again. Mikel Arteta is close to a big win and in all likelihood he's going to get just one more season to do it.

Paul: At that level, more than effort is required. We lack pace, creativity and ruthlessness. Only Saka, William Saliba and Declan Rice are truly world class.

Rachel: The one thing Arsenal need to do is up their game when it matters the most. They have done so well and given the fans some much-needed hope as of late, but as soon as they lose a game or two they start to really slack. Seems to be a real lack of drive within the team when the times get tough and unfortunately this is their main downfall. Noticing plenty of opportunities between Rice and Saka but the rest of the team don't seem to be around to cover their efforts!

Peter: Arsenal lacked precision, close ball control, and strategy around the penalty box, in contrast to PSG. Think of the difference say a Yoana Wissa would have made in the box. Several transfer windows later and Arteta still doesn't get it. Maybe Arsenal need a top manager to make the next step forward/up as the "nearly" label is about to stick.

Match of the Day's Guillem Balague reflected on Arsenal's Champions League exit: "They haven't been good enough. But if we take out the failure of a no trophy season, you can see progression. You have to say that. For six years, they were not in the Champions League. They have now been in it for two years and got to the semi-final in the second season and they made life difficult for PSG.

"Arsenal were better than PSG. Of course Donnarumma counts but they created the chances - they had the momentum. You will hear Mikel Arteta talking in interviews about 'we weren't strong in the boxes'. They made mistakes, but he needs players. They didn't score enough. Again, he needs players.

"Four or five new starters, depending how many they can sell, and Arsenal will have a team that is one of the best in Europe."

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'Down and out in Paris,' says the back page of the Daily Express after Arsenal's Champions League dream died on Wednesday night.

Needing to overturn a 1-0 loss from the home first leg to book a place in the final against Inter Milan, Arsenal came unstuck against Paris St-Germain goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma.

Despite David Raya's heroics in saving a penalty, goals from Fabian Ruiz and Achraf Hakimi sank the Gunners with Bukayo Saka's strike offering only a late consolation.

Thursday's papers recognise the 'Art Break' for the Arsenal boss, who has now overseen five trophyless seasons at Emirates Stadium.

Image source, Daily Express and Daily Mirror

Arsenal have made an offer to the representatives of Ipswich's English striker Liam Delap, 22, as they seek to sign a supporting forward alongside a more experienced and proven option. (Football Transfers), external

The Gunners have also stepped up talks to extend the contract of France centre-back William Saliba, who has been linked with Real Madrid. The aim is to prevent the 24-year-old leaving for a cheaper price when he has one year left on his deal next summer, or on a free transfer when his contract ends in 2027. (L'Equipe, via Get French Football News), external

Finally, Arsenal also have an interest in Bayer Leverkusen's Czech Republic striker Patrik Schick, 29, this summer. (Caught Offside), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Thursday's full gossip column

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