Arsenal are reportedly gearing up to make a substantial offer for a forward as they seek to address their attacking struggles under Mikel Arteta.
The North London club’s inconsistency in front of goal has become a pressing concern, prompting their search for reinforcements.
Ongoing Offensive Issues
The Gunners’ attacking woes were evident once again in their recent 1-1 draw against Fulham at Craven Cottage.
William Saliba’s header from a corner saved the day, further emphasizing Arsenal’s growing dependency on set pieces.
The result marked Arsenal’s fifth Premier League draw of the season, leaving them trailing further behind title rivals Liverpool.
A worrying statistic highlighted by CBS reporter James Benge revealed that Arsenal have managed to generate at least 1 expected goal (xG) from open play in only three of their 15 league matches this campaign.
Ranked 13th in the Premier League for open-play xG, Arsenal’s attacking creativity has been underwhelming.
Key players such as Gabriel Jesus and Raheem Sterling have yet to score in the league, despite clocking a combined 400 minutes on the pitch.
Meanwhile, Gabriel Martinelli, Leandro Trossard, and Kai Havertz have contributed just 11 goals between them—only four more than Arsenal’s defensive players.
Speaking after the draw with Fulham, Arteta voiced his frustrations, particularly over Gabriel Martinelli’s disallowed goal due to an offside in the buildup.
“I’m very disappointed not to win. We dominated from start to finish, executed our game plan, and conceded a goal from one shot.
The team’s desire to win was exceptional, but in this league, the smallest margins make the difference, and that’s frustrating,” Arteta said.
To address these narrow margins and bolster their attacking options, Arsenal are reportedly preparing a big-money move for a new forward.
Pursuit of Brighton’s Joao Pedro
According to reports from Spain, Arsenal have revived their interest in Brighton’s Brazilian forward Joao Pedro.
The 23-year-old has impressed at Brighton this season, contributing four goals and three assists in nine Premier League appearances.
His performances have earned high praise, with Brighton commentator Ryan Adsett describing him as “magic.”
The reports suggest Arteta views Pedro as an ideal addition to the squad, capable of addressing Arsenal’s issues in front of goal.
Arsenal are believed to have already tabled a bid in the region of €55-65 million (£45-54 million) for the striker.
While a move in the January transfer window appears unlikely, Pedro is expected to remain a top target for the summer.
His profile and skills reportedly align perfectly with Arteta’s vision for the team, making him a key part of Arsenal’s long-term plans to strengthen their attack.
