Arsenal 'snub' Ivan Toney as huge Victor Osimhen 'decision made' on four-man striker shortlist

Victor Osimhen is fronting a four-man shortlist to become Arsenal’s marquee summer signing, according to reports.

Talk about buying a striker has dominated the news agenda at the Emirates in recent months. As it stands, Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nkeitah are Mikel Arteta’s first-team options but question marks remain about their quality.

Just nine Premier League goals between them in 2023-24 is not conducive to a title charge, with the Gunners needing to spread the goals throughout the squad. By contrast, Manchester City’s Erling Haaland (18) and Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah (15) carry the brunt of the goalscoring burden.

Leandro Trossard has deputised up front on occasion but the feeling is that Arsenal need a new talisman to lead the line. TeamTALK are reporting that Osimhen is on a four-man shortlist as he eyes a Napoli exit.

Gunners chiefs would need to fork out a staggering £113million - his rumoured release clause. Osimhen’s relationship with Napoli has broken down since winning the Serie A title a year ago.

Amazingly, Ivan Toney has been snubbed despite being linked with a move since last summer. The 27-year-old returned from a ban for breaching betting regulations in January and, come June, will have just 12 months left on his contract.

Instead, the report names Sporting Lisbon sensation Viktor Gyokeres, Bayer Leverkusen’s Victor Boniface and Brighton’s Joao Pedro as alternative options. Gyokeres - signed last summer from Coventry City - has bagged 32 goals in 35 games this season.

Boniface’s 10 Bundesliga strikes have helped Leverkusen launch an unlikely title bid. While Pedro’s numbers do not stack up, he is Premier League proven and the Seagulls are renowned for selling star players.