Since taking charge of Arsenal, Mikel Arteta has spent over £700m in 11 transfer windows. However, the team has only brought in 6 attacking players, including names that have failed to make an impression such as Willian and Raheem Sterling - who has scored just 1 goal in 11 appearances this season.
Meanwhile, The Gunners have recruited 5 goalkeepers, 11 defenders and 8 midfielders, a number that shows the imbalance in the transfer strategy of the Emirates team.
In particular, not prioritizing the purchase of a quality striker has caused Arsenal to have difficulties this season. In the summer of 2024, the Gunners missed out on their number 1 target Benjamin Sesko despite his contract release clause of only £55 million, which was completely within the club's financial capacity. Instead, they focused their money on non-urgent positions such as left-back Riccardo Calafiori and midfielder Mikel Merino at a total cost of £73 million.
Arsenal currently lack a top-class striker who can make the difference in important games, as the 2-0 defeat to Newcastle in the League Cup semi-final first leg showed. While Alexander Isak shone brightly, the Gunners struggled with a lackluster attack.
“Isak was involved in both of Newcastle’s goals. Unfortunately both times he had the ball in the box and that’s where a quality attacker makes the difference,” said Mikel Arteta.
While Arsenal are not short of goals, with 39 in 20 Premier League games – only bettered by Liverpool and Tottenham – these numbers are not enough to make up for the missed opportunities. The Gunners’ xG (expected goals) is often higher than their opponents. However, their ineffective finishing has cost them many important points.
The focus on strengthening the defence and increasing muscle has left Arsenal lacking in attacking creativity. Walcott commented after the defeat to Newcastle that the Gunners are now relying too much on set pieces to score goals. This raises the question of whether Arteta’s strategy is stifling the team’s attacking potential.
Kai Havertz, who was signed for £65m and was initially expected to replace Granit Xhaka in midfield, has instead been used as a centre-forward, which has left Arteta feeling a little confused.
Arsenal may need to adjust their transfer strategy urgently. While Man City are actively pursuing Omar Marmoush for £50 million to replace Julian Alvarez, the Gunners have yet to make any concrete moves to add a real striker. Instead, the London team is stuck in finding quality options on the market.
Mikel Arteta once compared tactics to sleeping on a blanket that is too small. If you pull it down to keep your feet warm, your head will be cold and vice versa. However, it is clear that prioritizing defense while neglecting the attack has put Arsenal in a difficult position. A quality striker will not only help them improve their scoring efficiency but also reduce the pressure on key players like Bukayo Saka.
Without change, Arsenal are in danger of falling further behind in the title race. The contracts of many key players are up in the next few years and if they do not invest heavily to strengthen their squad, they could pay a heavy price. Next summer will be Arsenal's chance to right the wrongs and bring in a world-class centre-forward, something fans have been waiting for for so long.
