Arsenal have now set two key criteria that boss Mikel Arteta will look for in a striker in the upcoming transfer window to replace Gabriel Jesus or Eddie Nketiah this summer.
Both forwards face uncertain futures in north London following their underwhelming efforts this season. Jesus and Nketiah have both struggled to provide a consistent goal threat in the Premier League. Arteta has also been without Jesus multiple times owing to his injury woes.
Jesus has only played in 24 of Arsenal’s 34 top-flight games so far this term and has started in 17. Nketiah may have played in more with 27 appearances but he has started in just 10 to date. Arteta has also only seen Jesus score four times and Nketiah bag five goals this term.
Arsenal will target a striker if Gabriel Jesus or Eddie Nketiah leave
It has even been 25 games and 17 appearances since Nketiah last found the back of a net in a Premier League fixture. He has not fired home since the 24-year-old hit a hat-trick against Sheffield United in October. So, given Jesus’ issues, Arteta has often leaned on Kai Havertz.
Arteta has afforded Havertz 10 of his 34 Premier League appearances so far this season as a centre-forward. The 24-year-old has also scored seven times during the midfielder’s outings as a striker. He has a further five goals from 24 appearances from the Gunners’ engine room.
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So, football.london now reports that signing a new striker is less of a priority at Arsenal with Havertz thriving. But Arteta is still open to strengthening his attack if the Gunners sell either of Jesus or Nketiah. The Gunners have also fixed their criteria for a centre-forward to target.
Mikel Arteta wants to target a taller and younger striker’s transfer
Arteta will want Arsenal to target a younger and taller striker than Jesus and Nketiah if they seek a transfer. The Spaniard is keen to acquire a player who can provide an aerial threat, as well as longevity in the role. Jesus and Nketiah are both 5 ft 8, while Havertz stands at 6 ft 3.
Arsenal have seen the benefits of having a target man like Havertz lead Arteta’s attack so far this season. He has given the Gunners a focal point they can play the ball up to, rather than always needing to work their moves as Jesus stretches an opponent’s backline with his runs.
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However, Jesus’ intent to stay at Arsenal could complicate Arteta’s intentions. The Sun notes that the 27-year-old is determined to fight for his future at Emirates Stadium as the Brazilian is settled in north London. Arsenal selling Nketiah might also prove to be a tough challenge.
Journalist Graeme Bailey has exclusively told Arsenal Insider that Arsenal now value Nketiah higher than the £25.7m, rising to £34.3m with add-ons, that AS Monaco paid to sign Folarin Balogun in August. Football Transfers has cited Nketiah as a transfer target for Leicester City.
The Foxes are rivalling interest from Brentford and Crystal Palace in the striker, as well. King Power Stadium chiefs further feel they can afford Nketiah’s salary demands to convince him to join. Nketiah has been leaning towards joining Brentford if the Hale Ender leaves Arsenal.
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