As the January transfer window enters its final frantic days, Arsenal find themselves in an all-too-familiar position – desperately seeking a solution to their striker woes. For three long years, ever since the acrimonious departure of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, the Gunners have struggled to find a consistent goal threat to lead the line. Now, with a daunting run of fixtures on the horizon and Champions League qualification hanging in the balance, the pressure is on Mikel Arteta and sporting director Jason Ayto to deliver a last-gasp signing that can fire Arsenal to glory.
The Ghost of Windows Past
Cast your mind back to January 2022. Aubameyang had just been exiled from the squad after returning late from a trip to see his unwell mother, an incident Arteta reportedly described as a “knife in his back.” With time against them and unwilling to meet Alexander Isak’s hefty release clause, Arsenal opted not to sign a striker. The decision proved costly, as they narrowly missed out on the top four to arch-rivals Tottenham.
Fast forward to the following summer, and rather than revisiting a deal for Isak or Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins, Arsenal turned to Manchester City, signing Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko. While initially hailed as astute additions, injuries and loss of form have seen their influence wane. Jesus’ anterior cruciate ligament rupture was a cruel blow just as he was rediscovering his scoring touch, while Zinchenko has become a peripheral figure.
False Nines and Fading Stars
In Jesus’ absence, Kai Havertz – a midfielder by trade – has been thrust into the thankless false nine role. While the German’s link-up play has drawn plaudits, his lack of killer instinct in front of goal has become a source of frustration for the Emirates faithful. The same can be said of Raheem Sterling, a high-profile loan signing from Chelsea who has looked a shadow of his former self.
The ball arrived to him and he had one of the big chances. That’s what you have when you have real quality up front.
– Mikel Arteta on Alexander Isak
Isak Interest Reignited?
Arteta’s wistful words after seeing Isak score against his side in the Carabao Cup semi-final first leg hinted at what might have been. The Swede, who instead joined Newcastle for £63m, has been a revelation on Tyneside. But with Arsenal trailing 2-0 going into the second leg and Eddie Howe’s high-flyers unbeaten at St James’ Park, even Isak’s presence in red and white might not be enough to turn the tie around.
Deadline Day Desperation
As the clock ticks down, links to Bayern Munich’s Mathys Tel and a late move for Isak look increasingly fanciful. RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko, identified by Arteta’s former right-hand man Edu before his surprise November exit, appears out of reach until the summer. With teenage prospect Ayden Heaven on the verge of joining Manchester United, the rookie Ayto is under immense pressure to make his first signing a statement one.
I’m very confident with the work that the club is doing, and exploring every single opportunity that we believe can have an impact on the team.
– Mikel Arteta on Arsenal’s transfer business
Arteta’s public show of faith belies the reality that Arsenal find themselves in an all-too-familiar race against time to land a difference-maker. For a club with Champions League ambitions, another window of what-might-have-beens would be hard for the fans to stomach. As another pulsating Premier League season enters its final straight, the Gunners’ top-four fate could hinge on the next 48 hours.
