Arsenal made inexcusable £15m transfer blunder for 19-goal striker to replace Kai Havertz

Add as preferred source on Google

Arsenal and failing to sign a striker is a long-term narrative, with the latest news only emphasising past transfer failures.

Mikel Arteta led Arsenal to finish only two points behind Premier League champions Manchester City last season, paving the way for an exciting 2024/25 campaign.

At least that was the expectation, as Arsenal were backed to win the league if a striker was signed, something that never happened.

Arsenal failed in the summer transfer window and again in January and now, Arteta has just three forwards available to him due to a mass of unforgiving injuries.

• READ MORE: What Mikel Arteta said about Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus speaks volumes amid Arsenal injury crisis

Arsenal targetted Serhou Guirassy in summer transfer window

Arteta wanted to sign a forward in the January window but, it wasn’t meant to be, with emphasis put on the summer transfer market.

Fans are furious at the Kroenke’s failures of late regarding signing a striker, which could’ve been solved for a mere £15m in the summer of 2024.

Arsenal were linked to Serhou Guirassy, who before leaving VfB Stuttgart, had a release clause of £15m.

On the back of a 30-goal season with Stuttgart, the North Londoners were reported to have joined the race to sign the forward but, his destination was eventually Borussia Dortmund.

Since making the move to Dortmund, Guirassy has contributed to 25 goals in 28 appearances, scoring 19 times and assisting six.

Added to that, the 28-year-old is the leading scorer in the Champions League, netting 10 goals already, reminding the world of his clinical streak.

Guirassy was Arsenal’s answer to Kai Havertz woes

Guirassy was clinical in the Bundesliga in 2023/24 and lo and behold, the forward continued his rich scoring streak the season after.

Why Arsenal failed to take advantage of the Guinean’s small release clause remains a mystery but, it’s become abundantly clear that it was a sizeable error. 

Kai Havertz has been ruled out for the season, leaving Arteta with no striker until the summer, significantly denting Arsenal’s hopes of silverware. 

Even prior to the German international’s injury, Havertz was criticised for his lack of conviction in front of goal, with many calling for his replacement to bolster Arsenal’s attack. 

Watching a player formerly linked to Arsenal take off in the Champions League is a painful outcome of summer interest, a scenario made even worse by Guirassy’s £15m price tag at the time.