It would be an understatement to suggest that transfer rumours this week seem to indicate that Arsenal are keen on signing a striker.
The Sun report that Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Ollie Watkins are on Arsenal’s radar to replace Alexandre Lacazette. Whilst the Daily Mail claim RB Salzburg star Karim Adeyemi is being watched by the Gunners after a breakout season with the Austrian giants.
With the aforementioned Lacazette likely to depart Arsenal following the expiration of his contract and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang the oldest member of Mikel Arteta’s squad, a new striker next summer appears to make a tonne of sense.
Eddie Nketiah’s potential departure in the coming months could also force Arsenal’s hand in signing a new striker, as well. The England U-21 star was linked with Crystal Palace during the summer, but a move never materialised.
Striker interest could throw Arsenal duo into doubt
Yet whilst the striker situation seems to point towards the Gunners signing one next year, it’s easy to forget that Arsenal have two sensational attacking talents on their books in Folarin Balogun and Gabriel Martinelli.
The England youth international signed a new long-term contract last season. Whilst Martinelli is regarded by many Arsenal fans and pundits as the most exciting talent on the club’s books, even more so than Bukayo Saka or Emile Smith Rowe.
Indeed, the duo have the potential to be first-team players for Arsenal. With Martinelli already at this stage in his young career. But based on minutes this season, the pair could well see their futures away from north London.
Balogun has made just one start and three appearances in total for Arsenal. Whilst Martinelli has made it into Arteta’s XI three times in all competitions. However, the Brazilian has not featured in the Premier League since August.
Arteta must take a risk on Balogun and Martinelli
It would be easy for Arteta and Arsenal to throw money at the striker problem and call it a day. But in doing so, the Basque manager will all but throw the futures of two phenomenal talents at the club into disarray.
Supporters have loved seeing the likes of Saka and Smith Rowe establish themselves as key first-team players under Arteta. And with Lacazette and Nketiah potentially leaving, Balogun and Martinelli have the quality and potential to replace the departing strikers.
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