Arsenal are being advised to reconsider their striker targets this summer, with former England winger Shaun Wright-Phillips backing a bold move for Atletico Madrid forward Julian Alvarez. The Gunners have already held talks with Viktor Gyokeres and Benjamin Sesko, two of their leading options to strengthen Mikel Arteta’s attack.
Sporting Lisbon’s Gyokeres has delivered sensational numbers, scoring 97 goals in just 102 matches since joining from Coventry City. Sesko, while not as prolific, has also impressed with 39 goals over two seasons at RB Leipzig. Arsenal were reportedly handed a boost when Gyokeres seemingly snubbed Manchester United in favour of a move to the Emirates. However, negotiations have dragged on, frustrating the club’s hierarchy.
This delay has shifted Arsenal’s attention slightly toward Sesko, yet Wright-Phillips has expressed serious doubts about the 22-year-old fitting Arteta’s system. He believes the Slovenian forward may lack the pressing intensity required in Arsenal’s tactical setup.
Instead, Wright-Phillips recommends Julian Alvarez as the ideal candidate. The Argentine World Cup winner has enjoyed a remarkable season at Atletico Madrid after leaving Manchester City in an £81.5 million deal.
Alvarez has already netted 29 goals, proving he can thrive as a focal point. Despite the interest from both Arsenal and Liverpool, Atletico are not keen on selling their star striker, and both Diego Simeone and club president Enrique Cerezo have issued clear hands-off warnings.
Alvarez struggled to secure a regular role at City due to Erling Haaland’s dominance, but Wright-Phillips believes his mobility, finishing ability, and experience would add a unique element to Arsenal’s frontline. Among current targets, he still sees Gyokeres as a stronger option than Sesko due to his aggression, work rate, and physical presence.
While Arsenal search for a new No. 9, the club is also progressing in talks to sign Spain midfielder Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad. The move, valued around £55 million, has left some puzzled—including Wright-Phillips—who questions where Zubimendi would fit in with Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard already commanding midfield roles. Even if Thomas Partey exits, he believes striker recruitment should be Arsenal’s top priority.
With the summer window underway, Arsenal are weighing multiple options, but voices like Wright-Phillips are calling for clarity and decisiveness—urging the club to secure a proven, dynamic striker rather than get sidetracked by complex midfield pursuits.