Mikel Arteta has already made decision on Marcus Rashford ahead of summer

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Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is facing a major decision ahead of the summer transfer window as the club intensifies its search for a top-class centre-forward. Securing a marquee No. 9 has become a clear priority for the Gunners, who are keen to add firepower to their attacking ranks ahead of the new season.

A number of high-profile strikers are being considered. Arteta is understood to be a fan of Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak, while RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Šeško has long been on Arsenal’s radar following extensive scouting. Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyökeres is also admired, particularly by new sporting director Andrea Berta.

Isak, who has been in superb form for Newcastle, is seen as the most complete option but may prove impossible to prise away from St James’ Park, with reports suggesting he is not for sale at any price. Šeško, five years younger than Gyökeres, was heavily linked with Arsenal last summer and remains firmly in the frame. Meanwhile, Gyökeres has enjoyed a prolific season in Portugal, further strengthening his case as a serious contender for the striker role.

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One name that is unlikely to feature in Arsenal’s summer plans, however, is Marcus Rashford. Despite Arteta being a long-time admirer of the Manchester United forward, The Mirror reports that the Gunners are not expected to pursue the 27-year-old. Rashford, who spent the second half of the season on loan at Aston Villa, could leave United permanently this summer, with Villa holding a £40 million option to make the move permanent.

Although Rashford impressed during his time at Villa Park, Arsenal’s interest has cooled due to a shift in their transfer strategy. The club is now focused exclusively on signing a traditional centre-forward, and while Rashford has experience playing through the middle, he is viewed primarily as a wide forward—an area not considered a priority at the Emirates this summer.

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Rashford has also attracted interest from Paris Saint-Germain and La Liga leaders Barcelona, while his long-term future remains uncertain. Villa are reportedly undecided on whether to activate their purchase clause, and Rashford retains the right to reject any permanent move.

While a January loan move to Arsenal was ruled out due to restrictions on domestic loans—Arsenal had already taken Bournemouth goalkeeper Neto and Chelsea winger Raheem Sterling on loan—any future move now seems unlikely under the club’s current recruitment plan.

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