3 key qualities Arsenal's next striker signing needs

3 key qualities Arsenal’s next striker signing needs

Arsenal's French striker Alexandre Lacazette celebrates after his shot deflects off Wolverhampton Wanderers' Portuguese goalkeeper Jose Sa (not pictured) for Arsenal's late winning goal during the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and Wolverhampton Wanderers at the Emirates Stadium in London on February 24, 2022. - Arsenal won the game 2-1. - RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by Glyn KIRK / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images) /

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MALAGA, SPAIN – JUNE 02: Erling Haaland and Martin Odegaard of Norway during the international friendly match between Norway and Luxembourg at Estadio La Rosaleda on June 02, 2021 in Malaga, Spain. (Photo by Mateo Villalba/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images) /

2. Arsenal Need a Striker With Presence

When you see a team line up with Robert Lewandowski, Harry Kane or Erling Haaland, one battle is already won.

Arsenal can’t acquire any of those three strikers, but they can bring someone in who has something they offer: presence.

Having someone who can create space for others without having to break a sweat is an invaluable trait. They attract opposition players to them, demand their attention, bully them, and then have the physical prowess to dominate those zones when they’re surrounded. When the opponent central defenders, or even midfielders, are having to constantly keep watch of the centre-forward for fear of their sheer physical capability, you’ve already got a leg up.

This is important all across the pitch. Whether it be in between the lines in front of the centre-backs or in the box to provide an outlet on corners or draw in defenders, you need to know that your striker is there even when they aren’t on the ball.

Lacazette is aggressive and physical, but he doesn’t demand the same attention that you want from a top drawer No. 9. While there are different variations of presence in football, what Arsenal need is a commanding physical one.

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