Transfers
Arsenal’s Striker Quest: Mikel Arteta Eyes Victor Osimhen As Gabriel Jesus’ Successor
Arsenal‘s pursuit of striking excellence intensifies as concerns mount over Gabriel Jesus’ consistency in finding the net, prompting Mikel Arteta to consider an upgrade in the attacking department within the next year.
Arteta is contemplating reinforcing Arsenal’s striking force, eyeing a new, clinical striker to fortify their ambitions in challenging for the Premier League crown and making a substantial impact in the Champions League.
Positioned atop the Premier League table, Arsenal is gearing up to face FC Porto in the Champions League knockout stages later this season.
While Gabriel Jesus has displayed prowess in leading Arsenal’s forward line, apprehensions linger regarding his injury track record and inconsistency in goal-scoring. His contribution in pressing high and linking up play has been commendable, yet the failure to consistently breach the 20-goal mark annually impedes Arsenal’s title aspirations, which haven’t seen success since 2004.
Comparisons arise with players like Erling Haaland at Manchester City and Mohamed Salah at Liverpool, whose consistent goal-scoring prowess significantly influences their team’s performance and contributes to achieving silverware. Arsenal’s heavy reliance on Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli for goals last season, amidst Jesus’ prolonged absence due to injury, amplifies the urgency to bolster their striking options.
Victor Osimhen of Napoli emerges as a tantalizing prospect for the Gunners, with persistent links preceding the January transfer window. Osimhen’s prolific record of 31 goals in 39 appearances last season, coupled with eight goals in 16 games this term, positions him as an attractive target for Arsenal’s quest for a goal-scoring maestro.
While Jesus excels in the Champions League, netting four goals in five appearances, his Premier League tally stands at a modest three strikes in 12 fixtures. Ivan Toney has been mentioned in transfer discussions, but Osimhen’s recent stellar performances for Napoli underscore why Arteta should prioritize acquiring the Nigerian forward.
Osimhen’s recent display against Cagliari demonstrated his goal-scoring prowess and his capacity to uplift teammates. In a stunning move, he orchestrated an extraordinary assist amidst a cluster of defenders, setting up Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, showcasing not just his scoring ability but also his playmaking prowess.
Arsenal’s willingness to invest substantially, exemplified by the £105 million spent on Declan Rice last summer, signifies their readiness to ascend. Securing Osimhen, even if it demands a fee surpassing £100 million, could potentially elevate Arsenal’s Premier League title prospects and solidify their stature as a European powerhouse for years to come.