Mikel Arteta identifies Alexander Isak alternative as Arsenal line up £60m move for highly-rated striker but face stiff competition from Premier League rivals

With Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz struggling for form as strikers under Mikel Arteta, Arsenal were expected to sign a number nine in January. However, the Gunners decided were unable to find a good fit and their decision not to sign a striker has affected them in the Premier League title race, losing out to Liverpool.

However, Arsenal will sign a striker this summer, and they are certain that they will not be able to lure Newcastle United's Isak due to the Emirates due to the Magpies' high transfer demands. As such, The Daily Mail has reported that the Gunners are now set to move in for Eintracht Frankfurt's Ekitike, who is set to cost close to £60 million ($77.6m).

Ekitike also has interest from other Premier League clubs like Liverpool and Manchester United, however, the striker is said to prioritise Champions League football as a key requirement for his future exploits outside of Germany.

Arteta's side is very certainly out of the Premier League title race after their poor form recently. However, the Champions League remains a possible target for the Gunners and they take on Real Madrid in the quarter-finals next month.