May 23rd 2025.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has expressed his desire to acquire a new striker for the upcoming summer transfer window. Real Madrid legend Fernando Morientes has even suggested two potential targets for the Gunners, one of whom has yet to find the back of the net during his previous stint in the Premier League.
The need for a prolific goalscorer has been apparent for Arsenal, especially after yet another season without any silverware. Despite midfielder Kai Havertz being the team's top scorer in the Premier League with nine goals, it is clear that they can no longer rely on striker Gabriel Jesus due to his recurring fitness issues.
Numerous names have been linked to the Emirates, with Athletic Bilbao's Nico Williams being a top prospect. However, reports suggest that the club's search for a striker has narrowed down to RB Leipzig's Benjamin Sesko and Sporting Lisbon's Viktor Gyokeres. While Williams is a highly-rated option and is available for €58 million this summer, Morientes believes there are other Spanish forwards that Arteta could consider.
He stated, "If Arsenal are looking for a striker from La Liga, Ayoze Perez is one player that comes to mind. He was bought for a mere four or five million euros from Real Betis, but he has since become a sought-after player by big teams due to his impressive goal-scoring record and overall performance."
Another name mentioned by Morientes is Alexander Sorloth, who failed to score during his one-year spell with Crystal Palace in the Premier League. "At the start of the season, I had high hopes for Sorloth and thought he would be one of the top strikers in our league. Although he hasn't had as much playing time as he should have, he has still proven to be a valuable asset," said Morientes.
He added, "These types of players may come with a hefty price tag, but teams with financial resources can afford to invest in established players. While emerging players may be cheaper, you need players who can make an instant impact in the Premier League."
Both Perez, who plays for Villarreal, and Sorloth, who plays for Atletico Madrid, have been in excellent form this season, scoring a combined total of 36 goals in La Liga. Although both players have already had experience in the Premier League, neither were able to make a significant impact, with Sorloth failing to score during his time at Crystal Palace.
However, since his move to Spain, Sorloth has been a completely different player, scoring an impressive 63 goals in the last three seasons for Real Sociedad, Villarreal, and now Atletico Madrid. As Morientes mentioned, Sorloth may not have started as many games for Atletico as expected, but it is unlikely that he will leave the club after just one season.
On the other hand, Perez has spent most of his career in England, playing for Newcastle United and Leicester City. Although he only scored double digits in the league once during his eight-and-a-half-year stay in England, this has been his best season yet, with 22 goals in 32 games for Villarreal. However, at 32 years old, it may be unlikely for Arsenal to consider him as a potential target.
As the season comes to an end and the transfer window re-opens, Arsenal has one final game against Southampton before they can make any further moves. However, with Arteta's determination to bring in a new striker, it will be interesting to see who the Gunners will ultimately sign to strengthen their attack.
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