Do Arsenal need a striker in January transfer window or are other issues causing the blip for Mikel Arteta’s side?

Arsenal’s impressive rise under Mikel Arteta in recent seasons has positioned them as legitimate Premier League title contenders. However, a recent dip in form has raised questions about whether they possess the right squad depth and quality to maintain their challenge. A key point of discussion has been Arsenal’s attack—specifically, the lack of a consistent goal-scoring striker. But is a new striker in January the solution to their issues, or are other factors contributing to the team’s struggles?

The Striker Situation

The glaring issue for Arsenal this season has been their lack of a prolific center-forward. While Gabriel Jesus has been instrumental since his arrival from Manchester City, his primary contributions often come through his work rate, movement, and link-up play rather than as a consistent goal scorer. Injuries have also plagued Jesus, limiting his ability to build form and rhythm. In his absence, Eddie Nketiah has stepped in admirably at times, but he has proven inconsistent in delivering goals against top-level opposition.

Arsenal’s inability to convert chances has been a recurring theme this season. Despite dominating possession and creating opportunities, they have often lacked the clinical edge needed to kill games. This shortcoming was evident in recent fixtures where the Gunners struggled to break down defensive sides, dropping valuable points in matches they should have won.

Comparing Arsenal’s striker options to those of their rivals highlights the gap. Teams like Manchester City (Erling Haaland), Liverpool (Mohamed Salah and Darwin Núñez), and Tottenham (Son Heung-min) all have players capable of scoring 20+ league goals a season. Arsenal, on the other hand, lack a proven 20-goal striker who can deliver consistently in big games.

Bringing in a goal-scoring striker in January—someone like Brentford’s Ivan Toney, linked heavily with Arsenal—could help address this problem. Toney is a proven Premier League goal-scorer with physicality, aerial ability, and a clinical finish that Arsenal currently lack. A player of his profile could thrive in Arteta’s system, providing an outlet for Arsenal’s creative midfielders.

Are There Other Underlying Issues?

While the need for a striker is clear, Arsenal’s problems extend beyond their front line. Inconsistent performances and vulnerabilities in other areas have contributed to their recent blip.

1. Midfield Balance:
   Arsenal’s midfield, despite being packed with quality, has not always functioned optimally. The addition of Declan Rice in the summer has improved their defensive stability, but the absence of Thomas Partey due to injuries has limited their ability to control games. Rice has often been tasked with covering too much ground, which impacts his ability to contribute higher up the pitch. Additionally, Martin Ødegaard has been quieter in recent weeks, and Arsenal have lacked the creative spark that drove their attack last season.
2. Injury Issues:
   Injuries have been another concern for Arteta. Players like Jesus, Partey, and Jurrien Timber have missed significant chunks of the season, limiting Arsenal’s ability to rotate and maintain freshness. The reliance on a small core of players can lead to fatigue, particularly during the winter months when fixtures pile up.
3. Defensive Wobbles:
   Although Arsenal boast one of the best defensive records in the league, lapses in concentration have cost them at critical moments. Mistakes in set-piece situations and individual errors have crept into their game, which Arteta will need to address if Arsenal are to remain in the title race.
4. Wide Forward Inefficiency:
   Arsenal’s wingers, Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli, have been central to their attacking output. However, opponents have begun doubling up on Saka, limiting his effectiveness. Martinelli, meanwhile, has been inconsistent with his finishing. Without a striker capable of converting half-chances, the pressure on Saka and Martinelli to deliver every game has increased, exposing Arsenal’s overreliance on their wide players.

Is a Striker the Solution?

A new striker would undoubtedly strengthen Arsenal and provide them with a much-needed goal threat. However, a signing in January will not resolve all of their issues. Arteta must also focus on improving the balance of the team, particularly in midfield, while addressing their occasional defensive lapses. Additionally, finding ways to get the best out of Ødegaard, Saka, and Martinelli will be key to reigniting Arsenal’s attacking potency.

In January, a realistic approach might involve both strengthening the striker position and adding depth to other areas. While signing someone like Ivan Toney would make an immediate impact, Arsenal could also look for creative solutions—such as loan deals or versatile attacking options—to give Arteta more flexibility.

Conclusion

The need for a clinical striker is evident, and addressing this in January could turn Arsenal’s fortunes around. However, Arteta must also tackle other issues that have caused their recent dip in form, such as midfield imbalances, injuries, and defensive lapses. A new striker would be a significant step forward, but for Arsenal to maintain their title challenge, it will take a holistic improvement across the pitch.

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