Arsenal want to sign a striker who offers a physical presence up front this summer, according to Daily Star journalist Paul Brown.

The Gunners are in the mix for a top four finish this season, but finding the net has been a struggle for the side in recent weeks.

What's going on at Arsenal?

A few weeks ago, Arsenal seemed to be in pole position to return to the Champions League next season.

However, they have lost three of their last four league games, which has seen Tottenham jump ahead of them in the table.

During this period, Mikel Arteta's men have only scored twice as they have suffered defeats against Liverpool, Crystal Palace and Brighton.

Looking across the whole season, Arsenal's lack of goals from their strikers has been a major problem. Alexandre Lacazette has only scored four top-flight goals this term, with none from open play in 2022, while Eddie Nketiah is yet to score at all in the Premier League.

In fact, Arsenal have arguably had an issue with not having a target man up top ever since Olivier Giroud left the club back in 2018.

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What has Brown said about Arsenal's summer plans?

Brown believes Arsenal want to bring in a new attacker in the off-season, particularly with Lacazette and Nketiah both out of contract in June.

He has tipped the north London club to go after a physical centre forward who can add a different dimension to the team, which has been missing since Giroud departed.

Brown told GIVEMESPORT: “It looks like they want a bigger centre forward type with a bit of muscle to give them something that they haven’t really had over the last few seasons, which is probably quite wise.”

"There'll be slight question marks over the style and whether the three or four in behind can work with Calvert-Lewin or Isak, but buying someone like that would give them another option and another way of playing, so I can see the logic in it."

Who could Arsenal sign to fill this role?

Arsenal were keen on Dusan Vlahovic back in January, but the 6 foot 3 attacker opted to join Juventus instead.

They have since turned their attention to Everton's Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who also stands at comfortably over 6 feet tall. The 25-year-old has had a difficult year at Goodison Park, scoring only three league goals, but he did net 16 top-flight goals last term to prove that he can cut it at the highest level. Brown also mentioned Alexander Isak, who currently plays for Real Sociedad.

Another name that has cropped up is Lautaro Martinez, who is currently trying to win back-to-back Serie A titles with Inter Milan.

Martinez does not have the same height advantages as Calvert-Lewin and Isak, but he is nicknamed 'El Toro' ('The Bull'), a reference to his strength and tenacity when he gets on the ball.

Both Calvert-Lewin, Isak and Martinez look to be solid targets for Arsenal, who badly need a reliable striker if they are going to push on again next year under Arteta.