Gyokeres signs, Guler’s role, and the Havertz dilemma – Arsenal’s ideal attack after £138m worth of transfers
And the search continues for Arsenal as Mikel Arteta still hasn’t found his ideal striker. Benjamin Sesko was a prospect but has moved on, and Joshua Zirkzee remains uncertain. Other potential targets are still on the fringes of the discussion.
Ivan Toney and Victor Osimhen are in the mix, but no one has impressed as much as Sesko did. His potential availability in 12 months adds complexity to the situation.
Arsenal must now decide whether they are desperate to secure a striker now or willing to wait for Sesko. Was Sesko the best option, or should they settle for a second or third choice, or stand by the Slovenian until next summer?
The scarcity of realistic and affordable candidates is telling. Viktor Gyokeres, now valued at £85 million by Sporting CP, is being considered, reflecting the limited options.
Other factors are at play. The squad needs balance. The team lacked something in the first half of the season before Arteta found the right approach, leading to consistent goalscoring after the winter break.
The demand for a new striker persists, and Gyokeres has been on Arsenal’s radar since the summer, football.london reports. He is now being reconsidered.
Questions arise about Gabriel Jesus’ role, Kai Havertz’s position when everyone is fit, and how Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard will perform with new forwards. The integration with the midfield and attacking No.8s, who play like No.10s, is also crucial.
Bukayo Saka
Despite changes around him, Saka remains a constant on the right, providing width, forming effective partnerships with Martin Odegaard and Ben White, and cutting inside to shoot. He is a reliable performer.
Arsenal must manage his workload to avoid burnout, especially after his involvement in an international tournament this summer. Ensuring depth on the wings is essential.
Arda Guler
Surprisingly, Real Madrid’s teenage star Arda Guler is linked with a Premier League move. His value has soared after a stunning goal against Georgia at Euro 2024, but Guler is more than a one-hit wonder.
Despite an injury-halted season, he scored six goals in ten appearances (four starts), albeit in end-of-season games when Real were already champions. His development has been impressive.
Madrid is reluctant to let Guler go, and any offers for the Turkish international must be substantial. Although Transfermarkt values him at £25 million, his worth is expected to rise rapidly, with CIES Football Observatory rating him at £53 million.
For Arsenal, integrating Guler into the team is challenging, but playing two No.10s with Guler and Odegaard could work. Guler could rotate in and out, adapting to English football, and provide additional cover for Havertz. Guler can also play on the right.