Arsenal secure vital striker deal ahead of summer window

The two remaining centre-forward options at Arsenal have scored a combined four open play goals from 43 Premier League games this season. Where the issues lie in this squad are plain to see.

In the final weeks building up to the end of the campaign there have been rumours aplenty floating around as to who Arsenal may look to bring in and solve that goalscoring issue.

Eddie Nketiah is leading the line commendably since coming into the team but his and Alexandre Lacazette’s contracts will expire in the summer with no renewals expected on the horizon. As such, Gabriel Jesus is being heavily linked with a move from Manchester City.

Known that Arsenal are hopeful of bringing in two strikers in the coming window, the idea is to secure one like Jesus with the capacity to drift wide and operate in different positions, and another who is a more certified centre-forward to operate down the middle.

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Arsenal secure vital striker deal ahead of summer window as Khayon Edwards signs new long-term contract amid Brighton & Chelsea interest

Two out, two in. It makes sense.

But across the academy there is always room for a player to rise through the ranks and challenge the established group. Folarin Balogun was the most recent one of those and is about to complete his half-season loan spell with Middlesbrough, and behind him in the youth setup is Khayon Edwards.

Mika Biereth has made a few Premier League matchday squads of late following his goalscoring exploits with the Under-23 side, with Under-18 striker Edwards attracting his own following of admirers with some fine form for Dan Micciche’s side.

16 goals and five assists in 16 league matches had garnered the attention of Chelsea and Brighton, among others, who were well aware that his scholarship deal was coming to a close and negotiations over a new contract at Arsenal weren’t at an advanced stage.

However, David Ornstein has broken the welcome news that Edwards has signed a new long-term deal with the Gunners running until 2025, with the option of an additional year, ending any speculaion.

It’s another important talent tied down.

Edwards is expected to become a more regular fixture for the Under-23 side next season, where Kevin Betsy is doing a fine job developing forwards. A loan may have been on the cards but it’s not thought that one will be arranged just yet, with integration into the Under-23 side deemed more valuable.

Any striker coming through the youth ranks at Arsenal will foresee a path ahead. Per Mertesacker has worked tirelessly on offering that vision to the players and following through on it, while by far the most youthful squad in the Premier League and a first team boasting three Hale End stars in it will give young players the clarity of pathway they need.