Arsenal knew that a striker was a key part of their summer plans for the transfer window. Having lost Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in January and Alexandre Lacazette in the summer it left Mikel Arteta with little-to-no options.
Eddie Nketiah’s deal was renewed which saved the striker from an Arsenal departure with his deal expiring in June. Plus, the marquee and the potential signing of the summer in Gabriel Jesus was secured from Manchester City.
The Brazilian has had a major impact already scoring three in his first two appearances in pre-season and having a significant wider effect on the team’s performance with him on the field. Nketiah has certainly benefitted from the former City striker’s presence.
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However, what is noticeable about the two is their style. Both are diminutive, technical players with an eye for goal and a pass for their teammates in the final third.
What they are not is an aerial presence. This is something the Gunners have lacked since the departure of Olivier Giroud to Chelsea in 2018.
Jesus and Nketiah have scored headers in their time. But there is a difference between heading ability and the ability to get on the end of crosses against the tall defenders in the Premier League.
The Athletic reported that Arsenal had an interest in Gianluca Scamacca as a potential target. However, the signing of Jesus appeared to end the Gunners' pursuit of other striker targets.
The Italian looks close to a potential €40m (£34m) move to West Ham United. Fabrizio Romano reports an agreement with Sassuolo has been made and personal terms will be finalised today.
It is clear that Arsenal were going to be one of the biggest spenders this summer so why not go the extra distance and use some to sign a player like Scamacca? The answer lies in both the broad needs of the squad and the lack of Champions League football.
Not the pull of the competition, hence why a side outside of it like West Ham are snatching the Italian forward, but the financial assistance it provides. Had the Gunners qualified, the additional funds would have surely changed the plan for what the club would have liked to do.
Adding another striker with Jesus could have been a reality. But with a goalkeeper, versatile defender, central midfielder, attacking midfielder, striker and wide forward all on the agenda, adding another marquee forward to the list just is not viable.
Work still needs to be done at central midfield and in the wide position. This likely hangs on the vast number of surplus players that need to be moved on.
Furthermore, the aforementioned renewal of Nketiah is not the only serious step in wages the club are aiming to initiate this summer. Renewals for William Saliba, Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Magalhaes have all been discussed.
All this comes at a cost and another striker at the price of Scamacca does not fit, clearly, into the club’s plans. That said, the argument for a free agent, perhaps an Andrea Belotti, or a loan move to sign a ‘plan B’ style forward is a potential solution that might yet be considered.
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