Arsenal striker search narrowed down to two-man shortlist amid bleak transfer realisation on Newcastle United's Alexander Isak

The Independent claims that Arsenal have whittled down their striker targets to RB Leipzig's Benjamin Sesko and Sporting CP's Viktor Gyokeres. And despite the Gunners believing that Newcastle United's Isak would be interested in an Emirates move, a deal is seen as 'impossible'.

The report adds that Sesko, 21, and Gyokeres, 26, would cost either £75 million ($99.7m) or under due to various clauses and agreements. Isak, on the other hand, is likely to cost well above £100m ($133m). Arsenal have been crying out for a new number nine in recent seasons and if they want to take the next step and end their trophy drought, a clinical striker is a must.

The Independent adds that Arsenal retain an interest in both Eintracht Frankfurt's Hugo Ekitike and Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins but their pursuit of Sesko and Gyokeres is much more advanced.

Before Arsenal can lodge a bid for either Gyokeres or Sesko, or any other striker for that matter, Mikel Arteta's team take on Newcastle at the Emirates in the Premier League on Sunday.