Mikel Arteta should consider summer swoop for striker who Thierry Henry thinks is ‘good with his head’

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Arsenal are set for a busy summer in the transfer market and things are already heating up.

Arsenal are stepping up their search for a sporting director and want to make an appointment by the end of March in preparation for their summer business.

‘Concrete talks’ have been opened by Arsenal with Joshua Kimmich in order to replace the potential outgoing duo of Thomas Partey and Jorginho with their contracts expiring.

Attacking areas are where the Gunners really need to bolster and whilst Arsenal are ready to bid for Alexander Isak, the Swedish striker may prove to be unattainable. Mikel Arteta must have a back up plan and one Premier League striker is proving why he should be considered.

READ MORE: Arsenal must ‘sacrifice’ one of two stars to Saudi clubs to fund Alexander Isak transfer

Arsenal should consider move for Jean-Philippe Mateta

Should Arsenal fail to sign their dream target of Alexander Isak, an excellent alternative would be Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta.

Theo Walcott believes Mateta would be good for Arsenal and the French striker certainly has the attributes that Arteta desires in his centre forward.

Thierry Henry picked Mateta for his France Olympic squad in the summer 2024 and stated: “He’s an old-fashioned striker, you can play a little more direct. He can keep the ball.

“He’s a boring striker to play against, he doesn’t lose the ball much, and he goes at the last defender.

“He uses his physicality, he’s good with his head, and he scores. It’s important that a striker like that gives you another dimension.”

Mateta is top Premier League scorer in 2025

No player has scored more goals in the Premier League in 2025 than Mateta, level on eight goals with the impressive Mohamed Salah.

At just 27 years of age, the French striker still has his best years ahead of him and having scored 12 goals already this season, he knows the English top flight well.

Mateta is also currently rated as the most in-form player in the Premier League and would fit perfectly into Arsenal’s front line considering the shortcomings in that area this season.

Whilst it is clear that Arteta wants either Isak or Benjamin Sesko as his striker next season, a little look closer to home may well be the smart move in the case of Arsenal’s forward search.