Transfer Centre

Mikel Arteta hints at desire to sign new striker for Arsenal despite recent form

By Darren Plant, Senior Reporter | 08 March 2024

Arteta hints at desire to sign new striker despite recent form

Mikel Arteta suggests that Arsenal still plan to sign a new senior striker this summer despite their recent form in the final third.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has strongly hinted that the club remain in the market for a new striker.

The Gunners have recently scored a hatful of goals to put them at the top of the attacking charts for the Premier League.

As many as 68 goals have been scored during their 27 fixtures, yet only one of their players - Bukayo Saka (13) - has netted more than seven times.

A combination of Gabriel Jesus, Eddie Nketiah, Kai Havertz and Leandro Trossard have shared the duties down the centre of the attack without putting together a run of consistent performances.

That particular factor is perceived to have undermined Arsenal's title bid, even though they now only sit two points adrift of leaders Liverpool.

Arsenal's Gabriel and teammates celebrate after Newcastle United's Sven Botman scores an own goal on February 24, 2024 © Reuters

Had Arsenal's position with the Premier League's Profit and Sustainability Rules been better in January, a new frontman may have been acquired at that point.

Nevertheless, speaking at a press conference on Thursday, Arteta has given every indication that he is desperate to add a high-profile striker during the summer.

The Spaniard told reporters: "The plans that we have for the summer are very clear.

"They were done almost at the start of the season understanding what we can have, the contract situations with some players, and how we can improve certain areas of the team. This situation doesn't change that."

Brentford's Ivan Toney during the warm up before the match on February 5, 2024 © Reuters

What freedom Arsenal have with their budget remains unclear, and is potentially dependent on how they fare during the remainder of the season and with any sales or departures of first-team players.

Nevertheless, Brentford's Ivan Toney has been heavily linked with a switch to the Emirates Stadium, even though ESPN reports that interest in the England international is said to have cooled.

The report claims that Sporting Lisbon's Viktor Gyokeres, despite an £87m release clause, and Brighton & Hove Albion's Evan Ferguson are each on Arsenal's shortlist.

Arsenal are next in action on Saturday when they square off against Brentford, before they attempt to overturn a 1-0 deficit versus Porto in the second leg of their Champions League last-16 clash.