Mikel Arteta may finally get the chance to bring a long-term Arsenal transfer target to the Emirates Stadium this summer.
Arsenal could have the opportunity to sign one striker that Mikel Arteta has had his eye on for some time in the upcoming summer transfer window.
It is no secret that the Gunners are currently in the market for a new goalscorer, and for good reason. Gabriel Jesus has endured a torrid season in front of goal. The Brazilian forward has netted just 4 times in 23 Premier League appearances. Arsenal fans are beginning to lose patience with Jesus.
Meanwhile, Kai Havertz has shone as a striker for Arsenal in recent months. The German offers a useful presence at the top of the pitch, as his hold up play and aerial prowess make him an ideal focal point. He works incredibly hard throughout any given match, and does an excellent job of occupying opposition defenders, creating space for the likes of Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, and Leandro Trossard to exploit.
Why Mikel Arteta must bring a new striker to Arsenal this summer
Like Jesus, though, Havertz is not a goal machine. The former Chelsea man has chipped in with 9 goals in 32 Premier League outings. This is a respectable return from the 24-year-old, but does not put him amongst the league’s most prolific strikers.
Arsenal have spread the goals around their team more successfully than any other Premier League side this season. However, there have been matches in which their lack of a truly ruthless and efficient striker has cost them.
Arsenal also boast the Premier League’s most creative player in Martin Odegaard. There is an argument that Arteta is failing to make the most of the Norwegian playmaker’s presence by not having an elite-level striker on hand for him to serve.
Such a goalscorer must be a top priority for the Spanish coach this summer, and Arteta may find himself tempted to make another move for Dusan Vlahovic.
Arsenal could revive interest in Dusan Vlahovic
According to Tuttosport, Juventus would seriously consider an offer from the Gunners this summer. The Italian club would likely part ways with the 24-year-old if it meant that they could get his wages off the books and recoup the £67 million that they shelled out to sign the Serbian back in January 2022. Arsenal held an interest in Vlahovic even back then, as reported by Sky Sports.
Vlahovic would be an interesting addition to Arteta’s squad. There can be no doubting that he has talent, and some impressive physical attributes. However, he has not consistently hit the heights expected of him since his move to Juventus.
Considering the pedigree of some of the other striker options Arsenal have been linked with, Arteta would probably be best off leaving his interest in Vlahovic in the past.