There is enormous pressure on Arsenal’s strikers to fire the Gunners into Premier League title contention this season.
Arsenal have been in the market for a new striker this summer, as Mikel Arteta is clearly keen to bolster his strikeforce.
What’s more, Eddie Nketiah is keen to leave Arsenal this summer. His departure would leave the North London club even lighter on options in that part of pitch.
Benjamin Sesko rejected Arsenal earlier in this transfer window. The Gunners have also been linked with the likes of Victor Osimhen, Dominic Solanke, Viktor Gyokeres, and Ivan Toney, amongst others.
As things stand, though, no agreement to sign any striker appears close. It is a certainty that Arteta will begin the new campaign with Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz vying for the right to lead the line for his side.
Neither Havertz nor Jesus have ever proven themselves to be the most prolific goalscorers. However, Havertz did thrive up front for the Gunners in the second half of last season, and his ability at act as a target man, offering a focal point for the Gunners to build up their attacks around, did make Arteta’s side a more potent force in the final third overall.
On top of that, Jesus has promised Arsenal fans he will become more potent in front of goal. The Brazilian has looked sharp in pre-season, and certainly has a point to prove at the Emirates Stadium.
Paul Merson working as a pundit for Sky Sports ahead of the Premier League match between Manchester United and Arsenal FC at Old Trafford on May 12…
Paul Merson admits Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus concern
Former Arsenal midfielder Paul Merson is still convinced that the Gunners lack firepower.
As quoted by Sportskeeda, the pundit said: “Mikel Arteta has options up front at the moment with Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz. If Erling Haaland stays fit, however, I don’t think Jesus and Havertz could score as many goals as him put together – that’s the worry.”
Of course, Erling Haaland is likely to outscore any of the Arsenal forwards, as he did last season. However, the Gunners share the goals around, and the likes of Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard, Gabriel Martinelli, and Leandro Trossard will all be expected to chip in with their share.
Do Arsenal need a striker?
With Trossard, and perhaps even Havertz, and Nketiah if he remains at the club, all able to lead the line if required then the Gunners ought to have the numbers up front to cope with the gruelling campaign that is to come.
Rather than an out-and-out striker, Arteta would be better served by bringing in a more versatile forward, who can offer coverage in the wide areas and also prove a goal threat. Arsenal are still in the Nico Williams race, and the Athletic Bilbao winger would be the perfect addition this summer.
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