At one point, it appeared that we might recruit a top striker this summer. The independent even reported that Alexander Isak was Arteta’s first-choice striker, as the Gooners had expected. So signing Isak this summer was always going to be a difficult ask. Newcastle were not going to let one of their most significant players, who had 21 goals and two assists in 30 games, leave like that. The Swedish striker was unlikely to leave St. James Park unless the Magpies received a crazy offer.
Aware of the difficult task of signing Isak, whom they had tracked since his Real Sociedad days, the Gunners attempted to look at other targets, such as Benjamin Sesko, who seemed to become the Number One target next, but were also unable to complete their deals.
When analysing Arsenal’s summer activities in terms of attacking signings, it’s possible that they will opt for a dynamic winger who can play on both flanks instead of a striker.
So, what if our ultimate goal is to sign a winger who can alleviate the pressure on our current wingers? Given that Isak is still only 24 years old, could we consider him our marquee striker for next summer?
If that’s the case this season, we could continue to scout the Newcastle star and whisper positive things in his ear for him to have an interest in joining Emirates. A dynamic winger like Pedro Neto or Nico Williams could help us win the league, but acquisitions like Alexander Isak oe Sesko next season could help us keep our top status next summer.
What’s your take?
Peter Rix
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His injury record concerns me for the money required to buy him. He has on average, completely missed +10 matches a season, not counting the matches getting him back to fitness.
Off topic, I wonder if good ol Wojciech Szczesny would be interested returning to Arsenal? I read Juventus have told him to find a new club, so I think they will rip up his contract.
Unfortunately I just don’t see him lowering his wage demands to anything reasonable.
It is a difficult situation. Havertz is not a typical centre forward but managed to hit 9 goals in the 16 games that he played in that position. He deserves to stay in that position.
Although, I would prefer to have at least one natural centre forward on the books so we have the option of playing that way and Jesus is not a typical centre forward either
Forget a striker , forget the title
As much as I would want Arsenal to get a striker this summer, it isn’t worth it if we can’t get a top notched prolific striker regardless of the price. Good strikers won’t come cheap. Without a top CF it was two points that separate us from City last season. If we seal Mikel Merino deal that would be fine and Jesus & Havertz should step up. We can’t afford to get a Striker that won’t be better than Havertz, Jesus and Nkethiah.
I agree with Dan if we dont get a striker we wont win anything Arsenal have needed a top class striker for some time Neither Jesus or Nketiah the answer Havertz is best bet we have but to challenge for the top prizes a striker signing is a must othetwisewe could easily slip out of the top four even
We do need a significant presence in the middle. Havertz is better than nothing but is not good enough in that role imo. He may learn and eventually become comfortable enough there to be sufficient for our club but we are ready to win the league now.
Happy Arteta is giving the Academy players a chance to shine, let’s hope this continues when the season starts.
As for a striker, let’s hope the gaffer knows what’s best to improve Arsenal and makes the right tactical and financial choice. Still time for changes to happen before the season starts as Arteta assess his options.
I think we should complete Merino first, then move for either Eze or Neto to complete our incoming transfers for this summer and come next summer we would go all out for a striker, Havertz and Jesus should suffice this season
We need a prolific CF and quality midfielder then we are good to go
Does Arsenal want to win the PL in 2024-25? If they do, then they’ll stand a better chance – and avoid the crushing disappointment of another miss – if they can secure the services of a 20+ goals a season striker.
Will they get one? Not sure. They seem, by reports, to be moving from one possibility to another but without getting close to signing any of them. Time is passing and the deadline is not that far away (for transfer negotiations anyway).
Let’s get Lukaku in the interim
Before we get a striker we need cover for Saka. Arteta is going to overplay and break Starboy if there is no decent backup. Buy Pedro Neto and even if he plays only half the year Saka will be MORE productive because he will play every game rested. Saka could be subbed off at 70 minutes and rested. Neto would come on fresh. Devastatingly efficient righthand side! Merino and Calafiori can get Martinelli and Trossard going on the left. Havertz and a rejuvenated healthy Jesus are good enough at striker. If we sign a stiker and Saka goes down then our season is cooked.
Agreed !! We already have six players who can play on the wing, If Arteta continues to play Saka for 90+ minutes as he does in most games he will be burnt out at mid season. All the top clubs have a good centre forward and this is exactly what we need. Ivan Tony still has a couple of good years in him and I am sure his price is way down by now. Buy him for two/three years and find a youngster who you can be trained up to the level required !!
there’s plenty of cover for Saka, it’s Arteta choice not to use them. sell EddieN and ReissN and get Toney in..
if there is not a centre forward that fits the Arteta profile and Edu price tag, then ‘yes’ Arsenal should wait for the right player
if Arteta/Edu are not sure it is not just £80m gamble in transfer fees but the 5 year contract on mega wages too – if that striker doesn’t work out, Haarland only striker from another league to score 30+ goals in last 5 years, then Arsenal are stuck with them like Chelsea and Lukaku, or Liverpool and Nunez
even Sesko fluffed his lines in the big moments in Euro, there are no guarantees of instant goes every game
I agree it would be great to add another centre forward option who can play across the front three, however fresh off a record PL goal haul last season not adding a striker is lower risk than going with only Jorginho/Partey in defensive midfield (Arsenal and Rice are better with him at #8)