Analyzing Arsenal’s Need for a Striker

The January transfer window is set to open in just over two weeks, and Arsenal supporters are anticipated to be keenly observing the available striking talent, which is often associated with high costs. The Gunners are frequently connected with potential new goalscorers in media reports and fan discussions. This interest is understandable, especially given recent discussions about the team’s “set-piece reliance” and their current position six points behind league leaders Liverpool, prompting calls for “guaranteed” goals. This analysis examines whether a new striker is indeed Arsenal’s primary requirement. Conversely, it can be contended that Arsenal possesses goal-scoring options. Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka collectively contribute a third of the team’s goals, with Saka notably scoring two goals against Monaco in midweek to secure a vital Champions League victory. Leandro Trossard, who is not a conventional forward, provides support, having scored an eighth of their goals over the last two seasons, many of which were decisive winners in closely contested matches. In fact, this group, including Martin Odegaard, each scored more than 10 goals during the 2023-24 season, though efforts to match this performance in the current campaign have been hindered by the absence of their captain’s influential presence. Regarding their designated strikers, Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah collectively scored 14 goals last year. However, with Nketiah no longer with the team and Jesus yet to register a goal this season, a notable void exists in the forward line. Although not a traditional number nine, Havertz is frequently deployed in an advanced role by Arteta, thus qualifying for the “strikers” category within this analysis. Nevertheless, if his 24 goals were excluded, the figures in the striker column would appear significantly depleted. Incorporating the leading goalscorers from title contenders Manchester City and Liverpool for the equivalent timeframe into this comparison clearly exposes the scarcity of goals from Arsenal’s forward line. Since the commencement of last season, Arsenal has distributed its goal-scoring across various players, which has established them as a competitive entity in both the Premier League and the Champions League. Despite this, they consistently fall short of ultimate success. The question remains whether a “recognised striker” contributing 20 or more goals would prove to be a decisive factor for the Gunners. Such an addition would undoubtedly be beneficial.