Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta will expect a busy summer in north London
It’s yet another week drawing attention to Arsenal’s glaring issue in the absence of a true number nine. Alan Shearer has criticised the north London club, suggesting that their failure to bolster the centre forward position will now see them face inflated fees, branding it a “huge error”.
Meanwhile, Gary Neville has weighed in, admitting that the Gunners must be ruing their choice to bring in Raheem Sterling last summer, a move he deems ineffective and one that limited their January market activity.
The injury setbacks suffered by key players such as Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz, Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus have undoubtedly dented Arsenal’s title aspirations this term. However, when this season draws to a close, the club is expected to aggressively target reinforcements for their striking department.
Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig is reportedly at the top of their list, with a potential transfer fee of around £55million being mooted, and the player himself is thought to be keen on a move to the English top flight.
Alexander Isak, another sought after forward who’s currently making his mark at Newcastle United, could also be on Arsenal’s radar, particularly due to his Premier League experience. Yet, the prospect of him leaving the Magpies might hinge on their final league standing and whether they clinch a Champions League spot, which would likely bind him to St James’ Park, reports the Mirror.
Despite the Toon’s insistence that they are under no pressure to sell, even if they don’t secure a top five finish, this stance will undoubtedly be tested by a plethora of interested parties. Viktor Gyokeres is also highly regarded, but his existing relationship with Ruben Amorim makes a move to Manchester United seem more probable. The Red Devils’ need for a goalscorer is pressing, and the Swedish international is their top choice. .
Then there’s Ollie Watkins, who Arsenal made a bid for in the final days of the winter transfer window, only to be rebuffed by Aston Villa. It remains uncertain whether the Gunners would make another offer for the England striker in the summer, as Villa took offence to the initial bid. Watkins, who turns 30 later this year, may not be the youthful option the club prefers.
Meanwhile, Shearer believes that any club Arsenal approaches will demand a premium fee, knowing Arteta’s need is urgent. “Is Mikel Arteta under a bit of pressure now? Name me a Premier League manager not under pressure! But you have to say so with what Arsenal have spent and how close they have gone in title races,” Shearer told Betfair.
“There’s no doubt that he’s a very talented manager and I don’t think that he’s under any pressure between now and the end of the season. But I would guess that between now and the beginning of next season that they’ll have to bring players in.
“How many additions required is the question, but one thing is for certain that they have to bring a centre-forward in of world class quality and there’s not many of those around. Whoever they go for, they’re going to get fleeced, because everyone knows they’re desperate for a striker.”
