Arsenal were linked with several strikers in the last few months, including VFB Stuttgart attacker Serhou Guirassy.
The 28-year-old shone in Germany, scoring an astonishing 30 goals in 30 games this season as Stuttgart qualified for the Champions League.
Arsenal look set to add to their attack this summer, as Mikel Arteta searches for a player who can add speed and output to his front line.
Several strikers including Viktor Gyokeres and Alexander Isak were linked, with Arsenal seemingly needing a new number nine. However, the strong form of Kai Havertz means that a different kind of attacker may now be prioritised, and Arsenal’s stance over Guirassy shows that this is likely to now be the case.
Arsenal never pursued Serhou Guirassy ahead of Borussia Dortmund move
Despite being linked with Arsenal, and having a release clause of just £15m, Guirassy was never approached by the club over a formal move, and will now join Borussia Dortmund.
“Everything is in place for Guirassy to join Dortmund after he agreed on the contract and the salary, but we’ve also had many rumours about other clubs, including Arsenal. My understanding is that Arsenal were never really interested in Guirassy as they’re looking at a different kind of player,” Fabrizio Romano revealed in his Daily Briefing.
His price tag and goal record meant that Guirassy was near enough a risk-free signing for Arteta this summer, and could have been a fine addition to an already strong attack. With this latest update, Arteta’s plan is becoming clearer.
Arsenal look unlikely to sign a striker this summer
If Arsenal were keen on signing a striker, even with Havertz’s form, then Guirassy was an option who could have even joined on a shorter-term basis.
Arsenal’s lack of interest in him may show that, following a rejection from Leipzig attacker Benjamin Sesko, Arteta is no longer interested in signing an out-and-out striker.
Arsenal want a dynamic player who can add speed and a more unpredictable goal threat to their attack, but this could come in the form of a winger.
With Havertz, Gabriel Jesus and Leandro Trossard capable of playing through the middle, the transfer strategy appears to be that unless there is a market opportunity for a young option like Sesko, that strikers are of little interest to Arsenal right now.