Coach Mikel Arteta's stubbornness is probably the reason why Arsenal did not take a risk on Ivan Toney last summer. The England striker has since moved to Al Ahli in the Saudi Pro League for £40 million.
Arteta could also push harder to sign RB Leipzig's Benjamin Sesko or Sporting CP's Viktor Gyokeres, if he truly believes in the need for a new 'No. 9'. However, when looking for the final piece of the perfect picture, it can be understood that the standards and expectations will be very high.
And the Gunners' need for a striker will be difficult at the moment due to the harsh reality of the 2025 winter transfer window.
"Everyone is looking for a striker who scores 20 goals a season, but the best are at the biggest clubs and the rest are unproven," a former Premier League sporting director told ESPN.
"Man City have Haaland, Bayern Munich have Harry Kane, Robert Lewandowski at Barcelona and Real Madrid have signed Kylian Mbappe on a free transfer from PSG. In addition, you are betting.
Gyokeres and Samu Omorodion are scoring many goals this season, but the Portuguese national championship is not strong enough to ensure their ability to succeed in a top tournament. Darwin Nunez, who signed for Liverpool from Benfica, is an example of that," the former Premier League sporting director added.
According to British media, Arteta chose not to pursue Toney last summer, and wanted to rely on Kai Havertz, Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Jesus, Raheem Sterling. Gyokeres has been highly sought after, but with a €100 million release clause at Sporting, the fee is too high. Meanwhile, Sesko had a poor EURO 2024 campaign with the Slovenia team and has signed a new contract with Leipzig.
This season, Arteta and Arsenal lack an ideal option and any potential signings are a gamble. But six months later, their reluctance to make the transfer began to sound like hesitation and caution. It can be said that every missed opportunity of Arsenal on the field reflects other missed opportunities in the transfer market.
The search for a striker could take Arsenal from title contenders to champions. However, Arsenal's options now are still the same as those they rejected last summer.
