ARSENAL EYE ATTACKING REINFORCEMENTS

Victory over Chelsea last weekend highlighted Arsenal’s defensive resilience, but it also reinforced the need to strengthen their attack. The Gunners struggled to create chances in their 1-0 win, relying on Mikel Merino’s header from a corner to secure all three points.

Arsenal have played 29 Premier League games this season, and in 14 of them, they have scored one goal or fewer. Injuries have certainly played a part, and last year proved that Mikel Arteta’s side can be ruthless in front of goal. In 2024, Arsenal scored 114 goals across all competitions—their best scoring record in more than 60 years. However, this season has exposed the lack of depth in attack, and reinforcements are needed to maintain their competitiveness at the highest level.

The club plans to address this issue in the summer, with a new striker and winger high on the agenda. Arsenal also aim to strengthen other areas of the squad, and progress has already been made toward a deal for Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi. However, finding a top-class No. 9 is the priority, and Newcastle’s Alexander Isak remains a long-term target.

Arsenal have admired Isak for years, tracking him since his time at Real Sociedad, but Newcastle are determined to keep their star forward. Magpies chief executive Darren Eales recently confirmed their desire to extend Isak’s contract, making any potential transfer difficult. Arteta has spoken about Arsenal needing more “efficiency” in both penalty areas, and Isak fits that profile perfectly. Among players with double-digit Premier League goals this season, only Chris Wood has a better shot conversion rate than Isak’s 27.54 per cent. By comparison, Erling Haaland stands at 20.59 per cent and Mohamed Salah at 25.47 per cent.

A prolific finisher has long been seen as the missing piece for Arsenal, and Isak’s proven Premier League ability makes him an ideal target. However, Newcastle are in a strong position and are expected to demand more than £100 million for the 24-year-old.

RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko is another option and was on Arsenal’s radar last summer. A deal was explored again in January, but Leipzig were unwilling to sell. Their stance will soften in the summer, and Sesko will attract interest from multiple European clubs, with an estimated price tag of around £60 million.

Standing at 6ft 5in, Sesko is an imposing presence and has drawn comparisons to Haaland. The 21-year-old is not only a goal threat—scoring 10 Bundesliga goals and providing five assists this season—but also a tireless worker off the ball. His tally of 688 sprints in the Bundesliga is among the highest, showing his ability to press and stretch defences, which would fit Arsenal’s style.

Alongside a striker, Arsenal are keen to add a winger and remain interested in Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams. The Spain international has a £48 million release clause and will attract significant attention this summer. Williams would provide real competition for Gabriel Martinelli on the left wing, bringing the kind of game-changing ability Arteta craves.

Williams is a fearless dribbler, ranking among La Liga’s best for take-ons. Only Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal has attempted more dribbles this season, and when it comes to successful take-ons, Williams ranks fifth behind elite names such as Yamal, Kylian Mbappe, and Vinicius Junior. His ability to break games open could be invaluable for Arsenal.

Other wide options include Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo and Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo, both of whom would add pace and directness to Arsenal’s attack.

Potential arrivals could also lead to departures, with Leandro Trossard’s future in question. The Belgian, who turned 30 in December, attracted interest from Saudi Arabia last summer, and another approach could be on the cards. Meanwhile, 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri has emerged as a viable backup to Bukayo Saka, though Arsenal still need more firepower.

The absence of Gabriel Jesus until the end of the year only increases the need for attacking reinforcements. Kai Havertz is also expected to still be recovering from a hamstring injury when pre-season begins.

Incoming sporting director Andrea Berta will have a busy summer ahead as Arsenal look to build a squad capable of challenging for major honours.