3 key qualities Arsenal’s next striker signing needs

3. Someone With Natural Goalscoring Pedigree

It’s so painstakingly obvious.

Alexander Isak had his best goalscoring season in 2020/21, netting 17 in 34 La Liga outings, which on top of all his endearing technical traits, pace and presence made him the ideal option. This season the goals started drying up, and now they’re non-existent. An outstanding talent – one never worth the quoted fee – isn’t doing the fundamentals of the game as a striker: scoring.

Delving into the intricacies of how adept Striker X can play on the half-turn, how well weighted his passes are or if he wins enough aerial duels is one thing. It’s another matter whether they score enough.

Is their finishing natural? Do they have an array of shooting techniques? Are their penalty box instincts a fit for the Premier League? Can they head the ball? Are they composed in front of goal? Do they score goals?

Currently winning a lot of matches by a single goal margin, the reliance on Saka and Martinelli to provide the goals is unfair. As regular starters they have to be weighing in with regularity but the numbers should be majorly propped up by the man at No. 9.

It really is that simple.

Arsenal may sign someone who isn’t the most prolific in their respective leagues, yet the club can see that being raised if they are in the right environment and in the right system. Whatever the formula may be, so long as they score goals, they’ve passed the first test.

Lacazette never broke the 20-goal barrier in his four (soon to be five) seasons at the club. Arsenal need someone who can.