Arsenal’s Immense Striker Depth Could Soon Disappear

Arsenal are fortunate to have several quality strikers in their squad. Regardless, their depth could disappear over the summer.

Plenty has been written and said about the Arsenal squad that Mikel Arteta has available to him in recent months. Many positions lack the necessary talent to compete at the required level, however, that is not the case at the most important position.

With five quality strikers in their ranks, Arsenal are the envy of clubs worldwide. Furthermore, they have different profiles within the group. They have a poacher, a facilitator, and a nice blend of youth and experience. If there is any downside to the current situation, it’s that the room is perhaps too crowded. Keeping five competitive and competent strikers happy is impossible.

Regardless, things change very quickly in the world of professional sports. Looking ahead, it is possible that Arsenal’s immense striker depth could soon vanish. Let’s analyse the group one by one, and contemplate their future at the club.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang

The fastest player to reach 50 Premier League goals in Arsenal’s history, it is scary to think where the club would be without Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang‘s efforts. Furthermore, despite criticism of his character in Germany, he has become a role model for Arsenal’s young nucleus.

With his long-term future secured, Arteta must now look to make the central striker position Aubameyang’s permanent home.

Alexandre Lacazette

It is easy to forget how good Alexandre Lacazette was during the 2018/19 campaign. He scored 19 goals in all competitions, turned provider for 13, and was rightfully named the club’s Player of the Season.

Since then, the Frenchman has struggled for form. With just 18 months remaining on his contract, and a plethora of talent at the striker position, inevitably, Lacazette will soon be plying his trade elsewhere.

Eddie Nketiah

Arsenal must soon decide whether Eddie Nketiah is a part of their long-term plans, as his contract will also expire in the summer of 2022.

Despite his ability to score goals at a prolific rate for both club and country, questions about Nketiah’s abilities as a player have led to this crossroads. Considering the fees that Liverpool collected for both Dominic Solanke and Rhian Brewster, perhaps it would be wise for Arsenal to sell.

Nonetheless, with his predatory instincts, Eddie Nketiah would be the perfect super-sub. Whether he would be happy with such a role is another matter, but he must consider his next move – whether that’s signing an extension or moving elsewhere – very carefully.

Gabriel Martinelli

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While many fans will argue that Martinelli is better suited to the left wing, another faction believes that he would excel as a central striker.

There is a reason why Jürgen Klopp called Martinelli ‘the talent of the century’. The Brazilian is savvy, nimble, and has infectious hunger and energy. He has an important role to play – regardless of where he operates – in Arsenal’s present and future.

Folarin Balogun

Touted by many as the academy’s most promising prospect, fans have already seen what the exciting teenager can do. In his cameo appearances against Molde and Dundalk, he displayed composure, physicality, and guile.

The big issue with Folarin Balogun is his expiring contract. The club hierarchy must do everything in their power to keep him, as he has all the attributes to become a star. Nevertheless, at this juncture, an exit seems the most likely outcome.

A quality striker is arguably the most important asset a football team can have. Although Arsenal have not been aesthetically pleasing or offensively potent in recent months, they have plenty of high-calibre marksmen to choose from. Their options will not be as plentiful next season.