Which Striker Should Arsenal Add To Its Forward Line This Summer?

The 2024/25 season was an underwhelming one for Arsenal. While the Gunners finished second in the Premier League and made a run to the semi-finals of the Champions League, Mikel Arteta and his players wanted much more. This summer will therefore be pivotal for the development of the team at the Emirates Stadium.

Arsenal’s flaws were there for all to see. First and foremost, the Gunners require a new centre forward to lead the line. Kai Havertz has adapted to the role remarkably well over the last two seasons, but the German’s injury in the second half of the season exposed how light for options Arsenal is in his position.

And so Arsenal faces a big decision over who to target in the summer transfer window. Alexander Isak has been linked with a move to North London in the past. The Swede would certainly fit the bill as one of the best goalscorers in the Premier League. However, Newcastle United surely isn’t prepared to let him leave.

Benjamin Sesko is a more realistic target. The Slovenian has established himself as one of the best young strikers in Europe at RB Leipzig and is reportedly of interest to Arsenal. However, Sesko has frequently played as one half of a front two and Arsenal doesn’t use this system. It needs a lone frontman.

Viktor Gyökeres has played as a lone frontman for Sporting CP, scoring an incredible 62 goals in all competitions this season. The Swedish international is also believed to be on Arsenal’s radar. Gyökeres would give the Gunners the sort of cutting edge they need, but at 26 he is older than some of the other alternatives.

Arsenal has also been linked with Nico Williams who would give Arteta another attacker to deploy on the left side of his forward line. Martin Zubimendi is expected to join from Real Sociedad to strengthen the Gunners in the centre of the pitch, but the real focus this summer is on the final third and how Arsenal can become sharper in and around the penalty box.

Arteta has given Arsenal a platform to build on. The Gunners have finished close to the top of the Premier League table in each of the last three seasons. Arsenal boasts one of the youngest squads in the English top division and it is growing year-on-year. However, it needs a different dimension to elevate the standard. This is where finding the right striker will be so crucial.