3 key qualities Arsenal’s next striker signing needs

Arsenal made a bold move when they decided to let Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang leave the club in January and not sign a replacement.

Instead resting their top four hopes on the shoulders of Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah, the word ‘risk’ has never been more apt. These are two strikers who do not score enough goals.

So far, however, it’s proved to be a masterstroke. Arsenal have won 10 of the 13 matches since Aubameyang left, with Lacazette leading the line on each occasion. To say he has done so ‘expertly’ would be taking matters a step too far, just as saying it could have been done without him would be folly. He’s been absolutely integral to this run of form.

But everyone knows it’s the area to upgrade in the summer. Both he and Nketiah will depart when their contracts expire and barring some remarkable turnaround it looks like Arsenal will be in the market for two new centre-forwards.

3 key qualities Arsenal’s next striker signing needs as Mikel Arteta eyes summer transfer window for Lacazette and Nketiah replacement

Isn’t that extremely exciting?

Securing Champions League football will help Arsenal cast their net wider, as well as boost the transfer kitty, but when it comes to the marquee striker acquisition, the club will know the qualities they’re after.

We’re not talking about specific traits, either. Whoever Arsenal sign to lead their line needs to have three natural elements to them, before looking into the bells and whistles.

While strikers can be moulded tactically and technically, some have elements that can’t be coached.

1. Arsenal Need a Striker Who Can Run

In the recent victory over Aston Villa before the international break, Lacazette dropped deep to cleverly pinch the ball off Jacob Ramsey in midfield, a neat passage of play that allowed Bukayo Saka to assume possession and drive towards the Villa box.

By the time Lacazette turned and tried to join him the ball had already made its way back to him. That is slightly hyperbolic, but the points remains: Arsenal need a striker who doesn’t look like he’s running through treacle.

Speed and pace are abundant in the forward line, and sourcing a centre-forward who can stretch defences vertically and vacate spaces, as well as burst into the box when the play is front of him – a lot like the aforementioned Saka situation – is absolutely paramount.

They need to be athletic and energetic, because that’s what their teammates are like. Being on the same page isn’t just tactical or psychological, it relates to physical as well.

Saka and Martinelli know Lacazette’s limitations and they will perform actions differently with him than they would with someone who can give and go themselves. Passes in behind can have a recipient a not just a shadow following them.

If they aren’t shattered by the 65th minute that would help, too.

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