It’s no secret that Arsenal have been on the decline for some time with the gunners seem to be finishing lower and lower in the league table post Wenger era. However one bright spark was Pierre Emerick Aubameyang who has bagged 65 goals in 118 premier league appearances whilst also scoring vital goals in the FA Cup win in 2020. At a time where their defence was the weakest part of the squad, you could always count on Aubameyang.
Fast forward to the present day and the FA cup hero seems to be a shadow of his former self. Is it down to tactics? Partly, being shoved onto to the left did not help and the way Arteta has had the team play has left him isolated from any service. The blame does not just rest on Arteta, its obvious to the eye that the player is not as confident as he 0nce was. He can be accused of especially last season being lazy, playing it too safe and not taking enough shots.
By this time next season he will be 33 and with his inner club replacements either being too old or not ready (Lacazette, Nketiah, Balogun) to carry the club attacking wise, it may be time to look for a new striker. This article explores a few realistic attacking options (so no Haaland unfortunately) who I think could have a lasting impact on the club.
Side Note-Folarin Balogun
I really like Balogun, I think he is a very clever striker who deserved a few more chances last season especially in cup competitions. However he is not ready to be the main man just yet as evident with the Brentford game. Since going back down to the under 23s he’s recaptured his form that got him promoted in the first place which is great as he could easily have lost all confidence. He reminds me of a prime Aubameyang playing on the last shoulder and who can finish from anywhere in the box. I have no doubt in the next few years he can be the main man or a strong number 2.
Ivan Toney (Brentford, 25)
It may be early days but Premier League newboy Ivan Toney has looked right at home. Stand out performances against Arsenal, Aston Villa & Wolves have shown how much of a force this man can be. Toney is excellent at holding up the player whilst bullying defenders aerially. The man knows how to score penalties so he fits right in at Arsenal. His qualities suit Arteta’s style of play and his aggressive presence in the opposition box is something that Arsenal have lacked for some time.
Alexander Isak (Real Sociedad, 21)
What I like most about Isak is that despite being 6,3 he has electric pace and extraordinary quick feet which has embarrassed a few defenders in the past. He has scored a variety of goals from volleys to free kicks to headers. His technique on his day is impeccable. Although his goal scoring can be inconsistent, his impressive movement poises a threat against any defence as he can look to set up teammates rather than himself. With reported interest from Liverpool who may look to replace the likes of Firmino & Origi, Arsenal have to move fast in order to secure his services.
Victor Osimhen (Napoli, 21)
Another young striker who recently got the footballing world talking about him after a scintillating performance against Leicester in the Europa League. He may have not had the easiest time since arriving in Naples but its clear to see the talent is there. Victor is able to create shots for himself whilst using his strength to hold up the play to allow attacking runs from the wingers. Similar to Toney he is a aggressive presence in the box maybe a little over aggressive as he know to commit fouls. Signing Osimhen would be a risk but one that could pay off with the right training and discipline.
Karim Adeyemi (RB Salzburg, 19)
Red Bull Salazburg seem to have a factory line of quality strikers from Erling Haaland to Patson Daka to Hwang Hee-Chan to now Karim Adeyemi. The German striker has 7 goals in 8 games this season and put in a brilliant performance in the champions league against Sevilla recently, winning an astonishing 3 penalties. A striker with blistering pace and a eye for goal, his uses are not restricted to striker as he has shown he can be just as effective out wide. Karim is one to watch and most definitely has the potential to follow in the steps of Erling Haaland. This is the only player that I would recommend signing in a couple years in order to mature and develop his game without the pressure of big league football week in week out. However if a move looks on the cards in the near future it may be worth Arsenal signing him sooner rather than later as his value will explode once he gets his big move.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin (Everton, 24)
In my opinion, this is the go to transfer target but he will be by no means cheap. Homegrown, boyhood Gunners fan and Premier League proven what more can you ask for. The standout performer for Everton over the past two seasons which has earned him the number 2 spot in England’s striker department. Calvert Lewin suits the Arsenal system perfectly. Aerially dominant to get on the end of Tierney’s crosses and able to hold up the play strongly to allow the overlapping runs for the likes of Pepe, ESR and Saka, the move seems a match made in heaven. As stated earlier this transfer would not be cheap, I would think anywhere between £70 million-£90 million minimum due to the great importance he has for Everton.
Other names on this list would have been Odsonne Edouard, Donyell Malen, Patson Daka but they all have recently moved to new clubs making a move to the Emirates unlikely.
To conclude Arsenal’s next striker signing is vital to the long term future of the club. It has to be someone committed to the club whilst having the ability to get goals and be the main part of a developing squad.
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