Can Mikel Arteta forego a superstar forward signing?

By Danong

Let's be honest: with King Kai Havertz's form we shouldn't be keen to add a striker.

Benjamin Sesko, who many believed to be our top target, revealed the other day that he will not be joining; he has committed his future to RB Leipzig.

Prior to Sesko, Alexander Isak expressed his desire to stay at Newcastle following a successful season last year.

There are other striking options to consider but Arsenal's striker search is becoming more difficult than some of us anticipated.

Currently, teams may perceive Arsenal as desperate to sign a striker and attempt to exploit the situation.

In addition, strikers might be apprehensive about joining Arsenal, observing Havertz's comeback and questioning whether their move to the Emirates would ensure a starting position.

As difficult as it is for Arsenal to sign a striker, do they really need one given Havertz's form?

In 17 games for club and nation since last season, the German striker has scored or assisted 19 goals (11 goals and 8 assists).

Interestingly, in Arsenal's final nine games of the season, he had 8 goals and 7 assists. By the end of the season, most Gooners were content with Havertz directing the offensive.

After initially playing Havertz as a left back, German head coach Julias Nagelsman was eager to capitalise on Havertz's revival at striking. A week before the Euros, the German boss made it obvious he trusted the Arsenal player to lead his forward line.

Well, clearly, it was the best decision he ever made, as Havertz validated his selection in Germany's Euros opening against Scotland.

Havertz shined as the lone striker, getting a high 8/10 Sofascore rating with a spectacular performance that demonstrated his skill and authority on the pitch.

He contributed one assist for Jamal Musiala's goal in the 19th minute and he converted a penalty with composure and perfection to make it 3-0 for Germany.

He had a 100% success in duels (3/3), demonstrating his dominance on the pitch and his ten passes in the final third demonstrated his vision and ability to pierce Scotland's defence.

Niclas Fullkrug replaced him in the 63rd minute, and the spectators showered him with a well-deserved standing ovation as he exited the pitch.

Kai Havertz has transformed his circumstances in just over half a season, going from the least popular player to one who is always well-supported by both Arsenal and the German national team.

Looking at the ex-Blues' performance in the last few months, I can't help but believe that even if we don't sign a striker, we have one we can rely on.

I don't know about you, but with Gabriel Jesus and Havertz covering the number 9 (or 9 1/2) position and us signing a superstar winger who can play both wings and has an eye for goal, Arsenal's attack should be fired next season to go and win the league. 

£34m French wonderkid the X-factor Arsenal attack needs

By Danong

Arsenal seems to heavily rely on Bukayo Saka as its go-to player. He only missed three league games in the last three seasons, which might not seem like a big deal to some. But he's playing way more than he should. And burn out is what we should avoid.

But out of all the potential transfers to the Emirates Stadium, I would be genuinely surprised if Arsenal didn't view a £34 million move for Desire Doue as an opportunity.

This 18-year-old Rennes winger has been making waves in the French football scene since his debut in the 2022–23 season.

On the pitch, he's known for his versatility, playing on either side of the wing as well as in the attacking and central midfield positions. 

He's known for his stylish dribbling, quick feet and entertaining football, which creates plenty of chances for the team. 

He's pretty young, but he's already got the freedom to call the shots when he's got the ball at his feet. He's got some serious skills when it comes to controlling the tempo of the game with his dribbling and passing abilities. 

Stats, as per fbref, he's a pretty solid ball carrier:

Progressive carries: 4.38 (ranking 99 percentile)

Carries into Penalty Area: 1.55 (ranking 99 percentile)

Carries into the Final Third: 4.20 (ranking 99 percentile).

If he signs, the young Frenchman could be a fantastic backup for Saka. His versatility allows him to play in various attacking positions, although he may not be the best option for a striker. 

With him at Arsenal, our offensive game would definitely improve, so I wouldn't mind spending £34 million to secure his deal.

What this 'tried and tested' PL star brings to Arsenal as the club returns for him 6 months after initiating talks

By Danong

Arsenal were at their peak last season, scoring their most goals ever (91), being at their best not to allow the opposition to score (conceded just 29), having a goal difference of 62 and raising their best points tally in years (89).

For sure, Arsenal must be at their best next season to stand a chance of league glory and no doubt they can only do so by bringing in more quality players. The engine room is one position that will undoubtedly require bolstering.

Martin Odegaard and Declan Rice have established their worth in Arteta's engine room, but many believe the club needs to sign another talented player to complement them and give Arsenal a strong midfield trio.

It is considered that Partey is likely to depart in the summer window coming up given his atrocious injury record raising strong doubts as to his availability for next season. He has also one season left in his contract and Arsenal are unlikely to offer an extension.

Below are the midfielders who seem to fulufil Arteta's criteria:

Bruno Guimaraes: The Athletic reports that Arsenal is interested in him, but it is believed his £100 million release clause may prove too expensive.

Douglas Luiz: The Villa midfielder is one who some Arsenal fans would like to see at the Emirates Stadium, but he, too, may be available for a high price and Arsenal have made enquiries last season.

It is unclear however whether he is willing to leave the Birmingham club, which will compete in the Champions League next season or indeed go to Juventous who seem interested.

Martin Zubimendi: According to Sport.es, Artera has made enquiries before and now is willing to pay his £51 million release clause but the player is reluctant once again.

Joao Neves: The Benfica star is one of the most exciting prospects in European football. He could be the perfect midfield addition but signing him for his £100 million or more asking price is unlikely.

What is apparent from the above options is that Arteta seems to have decided that an additional defensive midfielder brought in to sit at the base will release Rice to play at the left side of midfield.

That being said, which midfielder should Arsenal consider signing? I'd suggest we go for Amadou Onana. Notably, according to Fabrizio Romano, as reported by Give Me Sport, they have already made contact over the swoop.

These recent links aren't new; the Everton star is a midfielder. Sacha Tavolieri, the Belgian journalist, said Arsenal held talks for the move during the winter transfer window, with the player back then interested in the move, but the deal never materialised.  

Arsenal was confident he was the ideal addition to their project at the time, so why shouldn't he continue to be so today?

Despite reports that he is available for £50 million, he could go for less given that Everton are in a difficult financial situation and require sales this summer; an enticing offer could persuade them to let the Belgian international leave.

If Onana signed, what would he bring to Arsenal?

People often perceive Onana as a 'destroyer', adept at regaining possession of the ball and facilitating the creation of opportunities for others. 

With his 6'4 size, the former Lille star dominates his zone and has the ability to physically overpower the rival midfielders. 

His elastic, long legs allow him to be a good tackler, which is becoming increasingly important as the Premier League shifts to a more centre-progression-focused approach.

His ball-carrying style is reminiscent of Yaya Toure's—powerful ball carriers with lengthy strides and muscle, but also comfortable when closed down. 

If paired with Declan Rice, Onana may take turns going on marauding runs with the ball while the other sits and marshals the defence.

Though he is mostly a 6, the 22-year-old hybrid midfielder can play as both a 6 and an 8, so if he joins, Arteta will pick where he plays. He can continuously trade positions with Rice, depending on the opponent.

For sure, teaming Rice and Onana would be devastating for opponents since it would go a long way in establishing domination in central midfield while also providing Arsenal with the option of carrying the ball centrally themselves.

This is what i think. What do you think?

Arsenal crave for something special to unlock defences; if it's not this playmaker, I don't know

 

By Danong

In an analysis of the transfer business Arsenal may intend to conduct this summer, the Athletic have revealed what could define Arsenal's recruitment strategy. 

They allege that following Arsenal's defeat to Bayern Munich in the Champions League quarterfinals, the decision-makers at the club felt the team lacked a specific X-factor in attack—something special to unlock defences on the greatest stages.

At first glance the fact that Arsenal at the initially stages of the season lacked a clinical striker suggest that signing one could be the solution. 

However, is this truly the case? I don't think so, given that Arsenal were at their best in attack by the time they played Bayern Munich. 

The clash with the German giants came at a time when Havertz was having a good run that saw him score eight goals and provide seven assists in nine league games.

I believe that "to unlock defences" Arsenal definitely needs another elite playmaker to improve the left side of central midfield. The departure of Xhaka last summer left a void that Arsenal has yet to fill.

So, who should Arsenal consider signing for LCM?

Arsenal needs someone like PSG's Xavi Simons. According to Fabrizio Romano, the Dutch playmaker come winger may be available to go out on loan this summer but he is still uncertain where to go. 

Arsenal must make it their mission to ensure that he selects them as his next destination because he could be the X-factor the team desperately needs.

To break down defences, Arsenal needs a player who is exceptional at dribbling, playing through balls and critical passes, having an eye for a shot, finishing and being nearly faultless.

Footystats reports that last season in the Bundesliga (for RB Leipzig on loan), he made 2.72 critical passes per game which led to major scoring opportunities. 

As the numbers will reveal below, Simons has made a splash in the Dutch league and the Bundesliga over the last two seasons and I believe he will be a success at the Emirates.

2022–23: 34 games, 19 goals, 8 assists.

2023–24: 32 games, 8 goals, 11 assists

Simons will add another very reliable option which will give Arteta plenty of room to maneuver within the available midfielders depending on the type of opposition and the tactics he wants to use 

He is of course well adept at playing on either wing utilising his pace and in this sense Arsenal will be gaining an additional very viable option for him to play as a winger. 

And if his switch to Arsenal proves a success (like say how Odegaard's loan proved to be) he could make the move permanent (Darren Dein is his agent).

Yes, a top striker ought to be signed, but I believe Arsenal should consider bringing Simons on loan; who knows, he could the X-factor this Arsenal team needs to succeed.

Sesko said yes and here's an idea of what Arsenal will get

 By Danong and 1970s Gooner

Arsenal are believed to be interested in signing a striker. One may argue that they already have a capable option in Kai Havertz, but the German clearly needs competition, which Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah cannot provide. And next season, Mikel Arteta needs another striking option to share Havertz's workload.

Notably, these last few days, we have been led to believe that RB Leipzig's Benjamin Sesko is the striker to join this Arsenal team. Mirror’s John Cross is claiming that Sesko has agreed to move to North London with the Gunners looking to part ways with £45 million.

But what is Arteta expecting he will bring to the Emirates Stadium?

Sesko's versatility, speed and ability to quickly change direction confuses defenders. And he's one of the most clinical strikers with precise and powerful shots. 

Off the ball, he continues to work hard, persistently pressing opponents, making him a nuisance for teams that try to play out from the back. It's an attribute Mikel strongly values in a pressing from the front tactic that we saw Havertz and Odegaard carry it to perfection last season.

As tall as he is (6 feet 5in – 1.95m), he is strong in the air, winning headers and scoring from crosses and set pieces, something in which Arsenal excelled last season. But he also drifts deep to link up the play and provide opportunities for counterattacks.

Lastly his age will appeal to Mikel. He is only 21 and can therefore be coached and developed to fit in to the way Arteta’s Arsenal play their football providing a viable option for the number 9 position. 

And he can be part of the model of a young squad which can develop and mature, something that Arteta embraced from the beginning of his tenure thus not only preserving but increasing the player's value during his time at Arsenal.

Sesco’s league stats compared to Gunner strikers Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus, and Eddie Nketiah over the last two seasons show he could be an upgrade to Arteta's attacking options.

2022-23

Sesko: 30 games, 16 goals, 3 assists 

Jesus: 26 games, 12 goals, 6 assists

Nketiah: 30 games, 4 goals, 1 assist 

Havertz: 35 games, 7 goals, 1 assist 

2023-24

Sesko: 31 games, 14 goals, 2 assists 

Jesus: 27 games, 4 goals, 5 assists 

Nketiah: 27 games, 5 goals, 2 assists 

Havertz: 37 games, 13 goals, 7 assists

Sesco appears have a better ratio of goals to games but one has to take into account that last season was Havertz’s first and the constant changing of positions from left midfield to false 9 (or 9 ½) has negatively impacted his effectiveness. It is logical to assume that Havertz will be far more influential next season.

And Sesco’s competition and freshness can propel both players to provide the impetus that we need up front to maintain the team’s efficiency at a high level both in the Premier League and in the Champions League.