There is an ambition of Arsenal to reach the title-challenging levels of Manchester City and Liverpool and in addition to strong coaching, the transfer market will play a big role. The Gunners will need to upgrade their squad to compete with the league’s best.
The defeats at the Emirates against Liverpool and City stung but there was evidence that the gap between the clubs is lessening. With Arsenal favourites to finish in the top four this season, Mikel Arteta has the opportunity to break into the elite market again.
The striker position continues to dominate the focus of discussions surrounding summer purchases. Alexandre Lacazette’s deal will expire this June unless the club renews, however, even should the Frenchman stay on, the thinness of the depth in the position should prompt Arsenal into a big move.
READ MORE: Emmanuel Petit gives his verdict on Alexandre Lacazette’s contract and who Arsenal should target
READ MORE: Philippe Coutinho comments whittle down Arsenal targets to select few including Darwin Nunez
Perhaps mirroring the style of City and Liverpool could help the Gunners close the gap? Both clubs operate without an orthodox striker.
Pep Guardiola has Gabriel Jesus at his disposal, but the Brazilian has operated in wider roles more so than centrally. Phil Foden, Jack Grealish and Kevin De Bruyne have all played in the central forward position. Similar to Spain’s use of Cesc Fabregas in Euro 2012.
Liverpool meanwhile have a plethora of wide options but all of Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Diogo Jota have played in the middle. Roberto Firmino is more of an enabler than an out-and-out typical number nine.
Arteta in fairness has used Alexandre Lacazette in a similar serviceable role too. Links to players like Joao Felix would further the idea of using a second striker type to come in this summer.
However, both City and Liverpool look to be moving away from this style in the near future. Guardiola’s side have been linked heavily with Borussia Dortmund’s Erling Haaland, whilst Jurgen Klopp has reportedly targeted Real Sociedad and former Arsenal target Alexander Isak.
It appears the role of a traditional number nine will return to the top sides in the near future. Real Madrid and Bayern Munich have continued to succeed with Karim Benzema and Robert Lewandowski respectively.
Now, it appears Arsenal too will move for a more traditional number nine according to Fabrizio Romano. He claims the Gunners have added Uruguay and Benfica striker Darwin Nunez to their list of targets.
"Another player, Darwin Nunez. Important goal against Ajax in Champions League. Important striker, he has scored a lot of goals, he has this kind of mentality from Uruguay, he is a fighter and a very good player,” said Romano on his Here We Go podcast.
"Arsenal also had contacts with his agent in January so let's see what happens because also West Ham wanted him.” Adding, “Darwin Nunez could be one of the possibilities together with Jonathan David. Arsenal are in the process, but they will take their time."
Valued at a figure of €80m (£67m), it would be a serious investment for the club and Nunez would become the second most expensive signing the club has made. Yet with City and Liverpool looking to approach their own major strikers, they cannot afford to fall behind.
There remain plenty of options but the Gunners must get it right after missing out on Dusan Vlahovic. Arteta will be judged, as well as Edu, on the success of the summer window.
