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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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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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.