Arsenal are currently 5th in the Premier League and in the back of some great performances and results in the last two months – however, there is a big discrepancy in the goal-scoring numbers that Mikel Arteta’s side have produced in the opening 13 games of the league season. 15 goals so far this season is not a figure you’d associate with a club like Arsenal – not just because of the stature of the club, but also the philosophy we have had throughout the last several years. This deficiency in front of goal can be linked to two important factors: System and the attacking personnel.
First of all, Arsenal are ranked 16th in the league in terms of xG differential. Very, very concerning numbers although the league table claims differently. Throughout the Arteta era, it has been clear that the focus is on having a side that is good in possession but not take many risks. Defensively, we can say we have improved massively from the Emery era, but in terms of putting the ball in the back of the net… we can say the complete opposite. This Arsenal side is designed to create high-quality chances but at the same time, compromising the volume of chances created for that reason. In the end, for a system built like this, you need clinical finishers and currently, we don’t have a world-class centre-forward.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang had us accustomed to seeing goals almost every week, but he has evidently declined his production in the last few months. Moreover, the fact that he has never been a linkup, holdup striker has weakened our firepower going forward. Alexandre Lacazette, a player who has very refined technical qualities has struggled to deliver the numbers throughout the course of his Arsenal career. Although his performances in the past few weeks have been very positive, it’s time to move on.
Here are my top 3 centre-forwards that the club should look at:
#1. Dusan Vlahovic (21, Fiorentina, Serbia): Born in Belgrade, the Serbian just cannot stop scoring and improving with each passing week. The 6’3′ tank has been heavily linked to Arsenal from reliable sources such as Gianluca Di Marzio and Fabrizio Romano. 12 goals and 2 assists in 14 games for him this season and his contract ends in 2022. In terms of his style, he is still developing his linkup but his holdup is absolutely there. His biggest strength, how clinical he is. He has a devastating left-foot. He is second in most goals scored in Europe’s top 5 leagues in 2021 only after Robert Lewandowski.
#2. Victor Osimhen (22, Napoli, Nigeria): The Lagos native has been having an incredible season in Serie A so far, netting 9 goals and assisting another 4 in 14 games in all competitions. At 22, Osimhen has had Champions League and Europa League experiences. With frightening physical qualities and an always-improving centre-forward skillset, he is destined to become one of the main figures in terms of attackers in the next decade shall he stay injury-free, one of the only concerns with him. He will be out of action for 3 months after getting over 20 fractures in his face after a clash with Stefan De Vrij.
#3. Alexander Isak (22, Real Sociedad, Sweden): The Swedish international has had a cold season to begin with but in terms of his overall ability, he is probably the most impressive. A player that has been known ever since Dortmund bought him from Willem II, he has developed quite nicely in Spain. Only 5 goals and 1 assist in his first 14 games of the season, but let’s see how he continues. According to Gunnerblog, Arsenal have been scouting him heavily with eyes on a potential move. He renewed until 2026 and his new release clause is set at 77 million pounds. A huge price for a huge talent.
What are your thoughts on these names? Who would you bring in to solve our striker problems? Let me know in the comments below.