Arsenal’s Title Hopes Dashed: Is a New Striker the Answer?
Arsenal’s 2-1 win over Everton on the final day of the season was not enough to secure their first title in 20 years, as Manchester City’s 3-1 victory over West Ham saw them finish two points ahead.
Despite the disappointment, the Gunners can take heart from a season that saw them win a club-record 28 matches and amass an impressive 89 points.
However, one area where Arsenal may look to strengthen is up front. Kai Havertz has been used in the No.9 role, with Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah out of favour.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta may be looking to bolster his attacking options this summer.
Ian Wright has urged Arsenal to sign a new centre forward this summer, citing the need for a striker who can take half-chances and settle the team down.
“You look at some of the games which were really tight, you go back to the Aston Villa game where Arsenal lost,” Wright said. “If you had that striker who could get that goal out of nothing, it settles you down, you get the goal and you know you have somebody who could take half a chance.”
Wright namechecked Newcastle’s Alexander Isak, who has scored 21 goals in just 30 appearances this season, averaging a goal every 108 minutes.
Alexander Isak has been in fine form for Newcastle this season.
“I think they would definitely look at somebody that would fit into a very technically organised side. A team that can stretch. There is a lot of talk about what’s happening with Isak at Newcastle. You look at Isak, you could say, ‘yeah [you’d take him]’ You could probably see somebody like him at Arsenal the way he plays.”
Arsenal’s failure to secure the title may have been due in part to their inability to take half-chances, and the addition of a clinical striker could make all the difference next season.
Arsenal’s title hopes were dashed on the final day of the season.
With the summer transfer window fast approaching, Arsenal fans will be eagerly awaiting news of any potential signings. Could Alexander Isak be the man to fire the Gunners to glory next season?
The Emirates Stadium, home of Arsenal FC.
