May 21st 2025.
Arsenal legend Ian Wright is well aware of the importance of this summer's recruitment for the Gunners. He believes that getting the right striker is crucial for the club, and they cannot afford to make a mistake in their choice. Wright stresses the need for a player who can make an immediate impact, as opposed to one who would need time to settle in.
After securing Champions League football with a win over Newcastle United last weekend, Arsenal are expected to invest heavily in the transfer market. They have practically secured second place for the third year in a row, regardless of their result against Southampton on Sunday. However, to take the next step, many believe that a new striker is a top priority for Mikel Arteta's side.
Injuries to key players like Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus in January had a detrimental effect on Arsenal's title challenge. Despite that, they chose not to make any signings during the winter transfer window. The Gunners were offered Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins, but they were not willing to meet the £40 million asking price.
If Arsenal wants to make a statement signing, players like Benjamin Sesko and Viktor Gyokeres have been linked with a move to the Emirates. However, these signings come with potential risks. Alexander Isak is Arteta's dream signing, but Newcastle may not be willing to sell, which may force Arsenal to look elsewhere. Wright is aware that whoever they end up with, they won't have the luxury of time to adapt.
There is also competition with Manchester United for the signing of Sporting sensation Viktor Gyokeres. As for predicting Arsenal's signings this summer, they are likely to look for a new goalkeeper, as Neto's loan move is unlikely to be made permanent. They will also need a new left-sided defender, with the potential departures of Kieran Tierney, Oleksandr Zinchenko, and Jakub Kiwior.
In midfield, the Gunners have been lacking balance since the departure of Granit Xhaka. Despite spending £160 million on Declan Rice and Kai Havertz, Arteta's experiment of playing the latter in midfield was abandoned. The arrival of Martin Zubimendi could finally complete the midfield puzzle for Arsenal.
Up front, Arsenal has been short on attacking reinforcements in recent years. They have been overly reliant on Bukayo Saka, which resulted in his injury. As a result, a new winger, who is comfortable on both flanks, should be a priority. Nico Williams has been a long-term target for the club. In terms of a striker, Victor Gyokeres seems to be the most attainable and ready-made solution to their No. 9 dilemma.
During an interview with The Overlap, Wright expressed his concern about the potential risks of spending big on a striker who may not work out. He believes that Arsenal cannot afford to make such a mistake and must get the right player who fits their style of play. Arteta himself has sent a clear message to the board, stating that it is up to them to make the necessary signings.
Wright was pleased to see Arteta speak so directly and emphatically, making it clear that he wants the board to back him in the transfer market. He hopes that the Gunners will make a top striker signing this summer, which would be a statement of intent for the club.
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