Arsenal continues to struggle with the absence of a clinical number nine, a problem that has drawn criticism from football pundits. Alan Shearer has been vocal about the club’s failure to address this glaring issue, warning that their delay in securing a striker will now force them to pay inflated transfer fees. He considers this oversight a significant mistake that could impact their long-term aspirations.
At the same time, Gary Neville has pointed out that Arsenal may now regret their decision to sign Raheem Sterling last summer. According to him, the move did not yield the desired results and ultimately limited the club’s ability to make meaningful additions in the January transfer window. This misstep has placed extra pressure on Mikel Arteta and his recruitment team as they prepare for a crucial summer.
The team has also suffered due to injuries to key players like Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz, Gabriel Martinelli, and Gabriel Jesus. These setbacks have weakened Arsenal’s attacking options and affected their title ambitions this season. However, once the campaign concludes, the club is expected to make a strong push for reinforcements, particularly in the striker position, to avoid a repeat of this year’s struggles.
Reports indicate that Arsenal’s primary target is Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig, with a potential transfer fee of around £55 million. The young forward is reportedly eager to test himself in the Premier League, making him a realistic option for the Gunners. His arrival could provide the much-needed firepower Arteta’s squad currently lacks.
Another name on Arsenal’s radar is Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak, who has already proven his ability in the Premier League. However, securing his signature may depend on Newcastle’s final league position. If they qualify for the Champions League, they are likely to hold onto their star forward, making negotiations more challenging for Arsenal.
Despite Newcastle’s stance that they are not under financial pressure to sell, many clubs are keeping a close eye on Isak. Arsenal is also considering Viktor Gyokeres, though he seems more likely to reunite with Ruben Amorim at Manchester United. The Red Devils are in desperate need of a top-class striker, and Gyokeres appears to be their preferred option ahead of the summer window.
Ollie Watkins is another potential target, as Arsenal attempted to sign him during the final days of the winter transfer window. Aston Villa, however, rejected their offer and took issue with the bid. It remains uncertain whether Arsenal will revisit their interest, especially since Watkins will turn 30 later this year, which may not align with their long-term strategy.
Shearer has warned that Arsenal will have to pay a premium for any striker they pursue due to the urgency of their situation. He acknowledged Arteta’s managerial talent and the club’s progress in recent title races but emphasized that they must invest in a world-class centre-forward. He believes Arsenal’s desperation will drive up transfer fees, making their summer recruitment process even more challenging.
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