Arsenal 'scout new striker target' as Mikel Arteta set to lose two transfer battles

Arsenal scouts reportedly watched Mateo Retegui score twice for Atalanta in the Champions League this week with Mikel Arteta potentially set to miss out on his top two striker targets. The Gunners could refocus their attention on new forwards over the coming months.

Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyokeres are reportedly considering moves to other clubs despite being strongly linked with Arsenal. According to The Sun, Newcastle’s Isak is Barcelona’s top target, while Gyokeres wants a reunion with Ruben Amorim at Manchester United.

Retegui has been in fine form for Atalanta this season. The 25-year-old could be an excellent alternative to Arsenal’s other in-demand targets.

He has scored 14 goals in 19 appearances across all competitions this season, including 12 in Serie A. It has been a tremendous start to the campaign following Retegui’s switch from Genoa in the summer.

According to Calciomercato, Arsenal’s talent-spotters were in attendance to watch Retegui in the Champions League this week. They would have sent back glowing reports after he scored a brace in a big 6-1 win for Atalanta against Young Boys.

But if Arsenal are hoping to avoid another transfer battle, they could be out of luck. That is because Paris Saint-Germain are also interested in a deal and had scouts at the same game to watch Retegui.

Arsenal’s recent recruitment strategy has sought to avoid high-profile transfer battles for big-name stars. Retegui would be an exciting addition to Arteta’s attacking options, though.

Having started his career in Argentina, where he was born, the prolific ace only moved to Europe in 2023. His switch to Genoa was hugely successful and a year later he moved to Atalanta, where he is impressing the world’s top clubs.

Arsenal have lacked a natural focal point in their forward line over the past few years. Kai Havertz has been deployed as a makeshift No. 9 and has typically played well, but is at his best in a slightly deeper position.

There has been interest in Isak and Gyokeres. However, both have been strongly linked with moves elsewhere, with Barca now in the running for Isak. Gyokeres, meanwhile, is said to be keen on a switch to Man Utd where his ex-Sporting boss Amorim has taken charge.

Arsenal are set for huge change with highly-regarded sporting director Edu primed to take up a role with Nottingham Forest and Olympiacos owner Evangelos Marinakis. His replacement will need to be busy ensuring Arteta is well stocked up front.