Arsenal top priority between Isak, Watkins, Sesko and Gyokeres transfers named - EXCLUSIVE

Former Arsenal midfielder Ray Parlour has explained which striker the Gunners should sign this summer between Alexander Isak, Ollie Watkins, Benjamin Sesko and Viktor Gyokeres.

Mikel Arteta’s outfit have been left short for the remainder of the season, having failed to bring in attacking reinforcements during the winter transfer window.

Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus are out for the season with torn hamstring and ACL injuries respectively, while Bukayo Saka has been sidelined since December. Gabriel Martinelli picked up a new issue in the Carabao Cup semi-final with Newcastle also.

Arteta has been left with only three options for his front three until Saka and Martinelli return - Leandro Trossard, Raheem Sterling and Ethan Nwaneri.

A new forward is seen as essential this summer and the Gunners have a host of options to choose from, but Parlour believes that a move for Newcastle’s talisman should be prioritised.

When asked by Express Sport with NetBet Sports Betting who the top priority should be between Isak, Watkins, Sesko and Gyokeres, he replied: “For me it is Isak. Definitely my preferred choice. His movement is great, his finishing is excellent, and you can see how well he could fit into this Arsenal side.

“You see his attitude on the pitch as well, it’s the type that Arsenal are looking for. I hope Arsenal push for this as he has the makings of an Arsenal striker for sure.”

Ray Parlour wants Arsenal to prioritise a move for Alexander Isak.

Arsenal would face competition from Barcelona if Isak is prepared to leave Newcastle in the summer. The Spanish giants have reportedly made contact with his representatives already after being told of a minimum £83million asking price.

Barcelona would likely need to sanction a major sale in order to finance a move for Isak, while Arsenal have the necessary funds available to spend if the Swede opts to depart St James’ Park.

The 25-year-old won’t be making a decision on his future until the end of the season, with Newcastle in a much stronger position to keep their talisman if Champions League football is secured.

And Magpies boss Eddie Howe is desperate for Isak to stay: “We absolutely want to keep Alex at the football club. There’s no part of me, or anybody at Newcastle, that wants to let Alex go.

"He’s very much part of our long-term plans. Personally, I don’t see that being an issue. I don’t think necessarily at this stage that we have to [motivate him to stay].”

But Havertz’s hamstring tear has only exposed Arsenal’s dire need for more reinforcements at the top of the pitch, with Parlour abundantly clear who the Gunners’ top target should be in a few months’ time.