Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is bracing for a crucial summer transfer window, as the club seeks to address its long-standing issues in attack.
The absence of a traditional number nine has become increasingly evident, with Arsenal struggling to capitalize on goal-scoring opportunities.
Alan Shearer has been vocal about the club’s failure to strengthen this area, warning that their delay in securing a striker will now lead to inflated transfer fees.
The former England international has labeled this oversight as a “huge error” that could prove costly.
Similarly, Gary Neville has criticized Arsenal’s decision-making, particularly their acquisition of Raheem Sterling last summer.
The former Manchester United defender believes the move has not yielded the expected impact and may have limited the club’s ability to be active in the January transfer market.
Injuries have also played a significant role in Arsenal’s struggles this season.
The sidelining of key players like Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz, Gabriel Martinelli, and Gabriel Jesus has hampered their title aspirations.
However, once the campaign concludes, the club is expected to aggressively pursue reinforcements, particularly in the striking department.
Arsenal’s Striker Targets
RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko appears to be at the top of Arteta’s wishlist.
The Slovenian forward has been linked with a move to the Premier League, and reports suggest a fee in the region of £55 million could be required to secure his services.
Sesko is believed to be interested in playing in England, making a potential deal feasible.
Another name on Arsenal’s radar is Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak.
The Swedish forward has impressed in the Premier League, making him an attractive option.
However, his availability could depend on Newcastle’s league position.
If the Magpies secure a Champions League spot, they may be reluctant to part ways with one of their key players.
That being said, despite Newcastle’s insistence that they are under no pressure to sell even if they finish outside the top five, their stance could be tested by strong interest from multiple clubs.
Viktor Gyokeres is another forward who has caught Arsenal’s attention, but his potential move to the Emirates is complicated by his ties to Ruben Amorim.
The Sporting CP manager shares a strong bond with Gyokeres, and with Manchester United also in the market for a striker, reports suggest the Swedish international could be heading to Old Trafford instead.
The Red Devils have made Gyokeres their priority signing as they seek to bolster their attack.
Ollie Watkins was also a target for Arsenal in January, but Aston Villa rejected their bid.
The England international remains an option, though his age—he turns 30 later this year—might deter the Gunners, who are looking for a long-term solution in attack.
Additionally, Villa’s discontent over Arsenal’s previous approach may further complicate negotiations.
The Challenge of Signing a Striker
Alan Shearer has warned that any club Arsenal approaches will demand a hefty transfer fee, given their urgent need for a striker.
Speaking to Betfair, Shearer questioned whether Arteta is under pressure, noting that all Premier League managers face scrutiny.
However, given Arsenal’s recent spending and their near-misses in the title race, expectations are high.
“There’s no doubt that Arteta is a very talented manager, and I don’t think he’s under any immediate pressure for the rest of this season,” Shearer said.
“But by the time next season starts, they will need to have brought in new players.
The question is, how many? What is clear is that they need a world-class centre-forward, and those aren’t easy to find.”
Shearer emphasized that Arsenal will likely have to pay over the odds for their desired striker.
“Whoever they go for, they’re going to get fleeced because everyone knows they’re desperate for a striker,” he added.
As the summer window approaches, Arsenal’s recruitment team faces a crucial task in securing the right forward to elevate the team’s title hopes.
Whether they can land one of their top targets remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—failure to address this glaring issue could prove costly once again.
