Arsenal have been warned it would be ‘crazy’ to spend even £70m on one of Mikel Arteta’s top transfer targets this summer. Arteta is desperate to welcome a top goalscorer to the Emirates Stadium this summer after his Arsenal side went a fifth successive season without a trophy.

The obvious priority for Arsenal will be to sign at least one world class striker. Gabriel Jesus is sidelined with a serious injury that could keep him out until midway through next season, and while the returning Kai Havertz remains one of Arteta’s favoured players, there is a strong desire to add an out-and-out proven goalscorer to the ranks.

Arsenal have taken up the option to extend Albert Sambi Lokonga’s contract by a year. That should enable them to sell him this summer for a reasonable fee. Sevilla had an option to make last season’s loan permanent but have not taken it up. Lokonga’s preference would be to remain in Spain.