Mikel Arteta now has three striker options if Viktor Gyokeres is dropped

Arsenal return to Premier League action against Fulham at Craven Cottage on Saturday.

Ahead of the game, much of the focus has been on the international games around the world.

The Gunners have particularly benefited, with a number of key players finding the back of the net.

However, the form of Viktor Gyokeres upfront remains a concern ahead of the season restart.

The Swede was on a six-match goalless streak before the October international break.

Gyokeres has since failed to score against Switzerland and Kosovo in World Cup qualifiers.

He had a tough outing in both. This should be a worry for Arsenal going forward.

With Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus injured, Gyokeres has been an undisputed starter upfront in the Premier League and Champions League games, but he needs to start scoring soon rather than later.

Manager Mikel Arteta has given him complete backing. The onus is on the 27-year-old to find his scoring boots, or Arteta may have to consider a change in the number nine position.

In our view, the manager already has three striker options at his disposal if Gyokeres is dropped.

Mikel Merino found good success as a makeshift striker amid Arsenal’s injury crisis last campaign. He provided seven goals and four assists after slotting as a number nine in February.

The 29-year-old has just one goal for the Gunners this term, which came in the 2-1 comeback win at Newcastle United, but his recent form for Spain has been simply world-class.

Merino has scored six goals while winning a penalty in his last four caps. He has played as either a central or attacking midfielder, but has been brilliant with his positioning like a striker.

Based on his rich vein of scoring form for Spain, he would be a front-runner to start upfront for Arsenal.

Gabriel Martinelli has had an upturn in performances during the ongoing campaign. He has netted three goals for club and country while operating in the centre-forward position.

The Brazilian may not have the physical presence or hold-up play of Gyokeres, but has scored crucial goals. He came off the bench to break the deadlock against Athletic Club last month.

Martinelli repeated the feat with a dramatic late equaliser against Manchester City, playing as a striker again. He was once more in a central role for Brazil yesterday, scoring their second goal versus Japan.

The attacker interchanged positions with Vinicius Junior and spent some time as a main striker.

Alongside Merino and Martinelli, Leandro Trossard could be another alternative to lead the line.

The Belgium international has done so on multiple occasions. The 30-year-old has registered eight goals and 12 assists from 25 appearances for the Gunners, operating from the striker’s position.

He was recently in action for his national side in a similar role. Trossard failed to make any impact against North Macedonia, but he scored a goal and provided one key pass during the 4-2 win over Wales.

Hence, Arteta has three striker options at his disposal if Gyokeres can’t end his goalless streak soon.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com

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