Arsenal: 4 summer transfer priorities ranked

=1. Striker

The difficulties on the other end of the pitch were no less noticeable. Unfortunate news about the ‘illness’ (believed to be COVID-19) that ruled both Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette meant that Folarin Balogun suited up as the starting striker.

The academy product’s Premier League debut was one to forget. Constantly out-muscled by the experienced Brentford backline, Balogun simply could not get involved. Cohesion was nonexistent between the front line as nothing seemed to come off. The tactics of crossing the ball are ineffective when your striker is only 5’10”.

Arsenal need presence. A striker that frightens the opponent. A big marquee signing that defenders don’t drool at the prospect of marking for 90 minutes.

Balogun’s struggles do not mean that he can’t continue to develop, of course. He certainly has the potential to grow into the role. But the gap between the absent strikers and the next generation of youth is far too wide. It’s either a 32-year-old or a 20-year-old.

Aubameyang and Lacazette provide different qualities and have proven to be successful at the highest level of football and while the experience that the two bring is invaluable, Balogun needs more time before he can become a regular starter for the club.

The previously mentioned gap, however, can provide a unique opportunity. Aubameyang and Lacazette are not getting any younger. Bringing in a striker in his early-mid twenties would freshen up the front line. Even more crucially, a player of that age profile would not stunt the growth and development of Balogun and Gabriel Martinelli. They will both still have a role to play moving forward should reinforcements to the striker position be brought in. Still, reinforcements are needed so long as sales are secured.

Arsenal have many positions that need improvements. With only two weeks left in the window, the options for reinforcements start to become restricted. Few teams will be willing to part with key starters as various leagues begin anew. If Arsenal are to do any business at all, they must do so quickly.