Arsenal handed Patrik Schick transfer boost as Bayer Leverkusen secure long-term replacement – Tom Canton

The striker position will continue to be the subject of Arsenal’s primary focus this summer transfer window. A number of high-profile players have already been linked with the role to fill the void created by Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

Arsenal could also lose both Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah with both players’ contracts reaching their conclusion this summer. The former is almost certain to move on having lost his starting place to Nketiah in the season’s run-in.

Therefore it is understandable that more than a single signing would be required to fill the sizeable gap in the team. Names such as Gabriel Jesus and Victor Osimhen have dominated the discussions however a recent move may have opened the door for Arsenal elsewhere.

READ MORE: Gabriel Jesus signs, Youri Tielemans deal – Mikel Arteta’s dream Arsenal transfer window

Bayer Leverkusen have come to an agreement with Sparta Prague to sign Adam Hlozek. The 19-year-old Czech Republic international is a highly rated forward who has been linked to Arsenal.

Hlozek will join the Leverkusen striker department for €13m plus add-ons (£11.1m) according to Fabrizio Romano. A lowly fee for a player that is expected to develop into quite the star in the future.

This move though could be seen as a long-term replacement for a potential summer departure. Patrik Schick has had a brilliant season for Leverkusen scoring 24 Bundesliga goals, second only to Robert Lewandowski and beating Erling Haaland.

90min reported that Arsenal had watched the Czech striker at the back end of 2021. Could the Gunners return this summer now their German counterparts have secured a potential replacement?

Schick would certainly add the characteristics that Arsenal have been looking for. A tall yet powerful forward with a great eye for goal.

Despite putting plenty of crosses into the box, the Gunners have lacked the aerial presence that Schick would be able to provide. Considering that two strikers are on the agenda for Arsenal, having a contrasting figure in Schick would match the signing of a player like Jesus very well.

However, there might still be a difficulty in signing Schick. Bayer Leverkusen CEO Fernando Carro completely ruled out the possibility of a sale back in March.

“No, we will not sell Patrik Schick. There is no need to talk about that at all,” he told Sky Germany via Bulinews. “We are very happy that he is with us, and we firmly count on him for the next few years.”

Things change very quickly in football and countless clubs have once said they would not be allowing a sale before eventually acting differently once either the player makes it known of his own intentions or a serious bid is tabled that cannot be refused. Arsenal have needed some ruthlessness in the market, perhaps this is the player that they need to show it to?

Arsenal are expected to have a significant amount to spend this summer thanks to the backing of the owners, football.london understands. Patrik Schick should be under serious consideration to take up a portion of that backing this summer.