Arsenal draw up two-man striker shortlist as Ollie Watkins claim made

The Gunners dropped crucial points against West Ham on Sunday afternoon, as their title ambitions took a major hit.

After opening up a 2-0 lead courtesy of strikes from Gabriel Jesus and Martin Odegaard, the Hammers dug in to rescue a point at the London Stadium, following Bukayo Saka's failed spot-kick.

The draw leaves Arsenal four points in front of Manchester City at the summit of the Premier League table, having played one extra game.

All eyes will be on the Etihad in 10 days time when Mikel Arteta takes on his former colleague Pep Guardiola in a mouth-watering contest.

Off the field, however, there has been plenty of transfer developments as the summer window creeps ever closer.

Arsenal draw up two-man striker shortlist

The Gunners have identified Juventus forward Dusan Vlahovic and Everton's Dominic Calvert-Lewin as targets this summer, according to Football Insider.

Arteta is thought to be in the market for another forward and has narrowed his options down to two.

The report adds that the Spaniard is eager to add a more physical centre-forward to his ranks, deeming Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah similar in their styles of play.

Arsenal tried to sign Vlahovic in January 2022, but the Serb opted to join Juventus for £62 million instead.

It seems Arteta has reignited his pursuit of the 23-year-old though, and has allegedly told the board to make him a priority target.

Meanwhile, Calvert-Lewin is viewed as a back-up option should they fail to sign Vlahovic.

Arsenal tracking Ollie Watkins

The Gunners are also thought to be keeping tabs on Aston Villa talisman Ollie Watkins, following an excellent season in the East Midlands.

Football Insider have claimed that Arsenal are one of many Premier League clubs monitoring Watkins' situation, as the 27-year-old opens contract talks with Unai Emery.

While there is no inclination that he will not sign a new deal at Villa Park, Watkins could be tempted with a move elsewhere should an attractive offer come in.

And the Gunners may have the upper hand over rival competition, after Watkins revealed the Emirates would be his 'dream' destination.

"Yeah, that's the dream, to play for Arsenal one day," Watkins said in 2020, whilst playing for Brentford.

Jamie Carragher drops Declan Rice hint

In the mix of Sunday's chaotic London derby, former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher let slip that Rice could be an Arsenal player next season.

The 24-year-old has been heavily linked with a move to the Emirates after admitting his desire to play Champions league football.

When asked about the rumours, Carragher told Sky Sports: "It might be a little bit more than that."

While it remains unclear where Rice will end up next season, Carragher's comments certainly imply that Arsenal are frontrunners to sign the Englishman.