A new striker has been at the top of Arsenal’s shopping list for many months now, but as of yet, Mikel Arteta is yet to find a player to fill the void at the top of the pitch.
Alexander Isak has been the most touted name in his move to the Emirates in recent times, certainly bolstered by his latest performance against the Gunners where he scored and registered an assist in the Magpies’ 2-0 Carabao Cup win.
However, given his record of 17 goals in just 21 In Premier League matches throughout the 2024/25 season, the Swede would cost the club hierarchy a fortune, with Eddie Howe’s side holding out. fees in the region of £150 million part ways with their star man.
Such a sum would break the club record set by Declan Rice following his transfer from West Ham United in the summer of 2023, with the hierarchy needing to invest heavily to challenge for a league title in the near future.
The attacking department is in desperate need of reinforcements in the latter stages of the window, especially given the form of the current options Arteta has.
How Arsenal’s attackers performed in 2024/25
Gabriel Jesus has looked a stage this season as if he could deliver the quality fans desire at the top of the pitch, score five goals in two outings – both against Crystal Palace.
However, his knee injury suffered against Manchester United earlier this month has ruled him out for the remainder of the campaign, joining compatriot Bukayo Saka on the current injury list.
Such a setback saw Kai Havertz handed the responsibility of providing the goods at the top of the pitch in the Brazilian’s prolonged absence.
The German has shown glimpses of his talent since moving to north London last summer, recording 13 goals in the Premier League in his first season in Arsenal red.
Although he has scored eight times in the league so far, the 25-year-old has often been guilty of numerous missed chances, as evidenced by his tally of 14 big missed opportunities – a total of more than double that of all team members.
Such a figure has prevented the Gunners from challenging for the title in recent months, but if they are to continue towards the end of the season it is clear that a new signing is needed to provide a fresh threat.
Arsenal could sign upgrade for Havertz who already plays in the Premier League
All Arsenal fans will be keen on a move for Isak in this window after his form for the Magpies, but ultimately it is highly unlikely that the board will shell out the aforementioned fee for his services.
Even though they would get a talent who obviously knows where the back of the net is, such a fee is simply unrealistic at the moment – especially given his current contract scenario in the Northeast.
As a result, the hierarchy may be forced to target other attacking options in an attempt to improve the current generation of players, which could lead to them completing a deal for Brentford ace Yoane Wissa.
The Gunners were linked with a move for the 28-year-old in recent weeks, alongside fellow top-four prospect Nottingham Forest, who had a £22m bid rejected for his services.
Although at first glance it may be a disappointing addition compared to Isak, the Congolese international has been rated as one of the best. player similar to Swede by FBref based on his Premier League figures throughout the 2024/25 period.
Wissa matched or bettered Newcastle’s talisman in many key areas, also surpassing Havertz in the process, demonstrating what a phenomenal signing he would be for Arteta’s men.
Wissa vs Isak and Havertz: Premier League 2024/25 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Statistics (by 90) | Wissa | Isak | Havertz |
Games played | 19 | 21 | 20 |
Goals and assists | 13 | 22 | 10 |
Accuracy of shooting on target | 48% | 48% | 40% |
Goals per shot on target | 0.6 | 0.5 | 0.4 |
Success accuracy | 78% | 74% | 77% |
Jumps won | 47% | 33% | 46% |
If I had won | 1.8 | 0.5 | 0.9 |
Statistics via FRef | |||
The Brentford star, who has been labeled as one of “the best strikers in the Premier League” by Lyall Thomas of Sky Sports, may have been outplayed by Isak, but managed to find the back of the net on more occasions than current number nine Havertz.
He also matched the Magpies star for his shooting accuracy on target, while bettering the aforementioned pair. goal rate per shot on target – highlighting his clinical character in offensive zones.
Wissa has managed to win more jumps than the duo, giving Arteta that complete number nine he desperately needed given the recent turn of events.
While he may not seem like a high-profile name to end their search for a new striker, he has proven that he can be a lethal player in England’s top flight when opportunities come his way.
His tally of 11 goals for a Brentford side in the bottom half of the table is remarkable, with Wissa no doubt capable of rising to the challenge and taking his performance level up a notch, surrounded by top-level talent. he was due to move to the Emirates this year. month.
Related
Their own Haaland: The £70m striker has already chosen Arsenal as his new club
Arsenal are looking for their Erling Haaland-style transfer on the market.
