Do Arsenal Need a Striker, or Are the Gunners’ Issues Bigger Than That?

As December unfolds, Arsenal finds themselves grappling with the same perennial question: is a new striker the solution to their stuttering form? Saturday’s goalless draw with Everton has reignited debates about Mikel Arteta’s offensive options, with many questioning whether the January transfer window could provide the answer.

The stalemate against Everton marked another missed opportunity for Arsenal to close the gap on league leaders Liverpool. Despite producing 13 shots and generating enough expected goals (xG) to justify a win, the Gunners failed to find the net, continuing a troubling trend of inefficiency in front of goal.

Arteta, reflecting on the game, admitted, “We didn’t find the final pass. Sometimes I think the positioning in the box wasn’t perfect, so we have to look at that and make it better in the next game.” While his words offer hope for improvement, the stats suggest a deeper issue within Arsenal’s attack.

Kai Havertz, the German forward often deployed in the No. 9 role, has faced criticism for his lack of output. Yet, he has outscored Gabriel Martinelli, Gabriel Jesus, Leandro Trossard, and Raheem Sterling in all competitions this season. This highlights not just his struggles, but also the underperformance of Arsenal’s other attacking options.

Gabriel Jesus, once seen as a crucial piece in Arteta’s attacking puzzle, has endured a barren spell. With only one goal in his last 33 Arsenal appearances across all competitions, the Brazilian appears to have lost the manager’s confidence. His limited starts outside the Carabao Cup suggest that he may no longer be a central figure in Arsenal’s plans.

Arsenal’s recent run of form, including back-to-back draws against Fulham and Everton, has further exposed their attacking frailties. These results came at a time when Liverpool, too, have faltered, drawing successive matches. Yet, Arsenal remains six points adrift of the top, despite playing an extra game, leaving fans questioning their title credentials.

As the January transfer window looms, Arsenal may have to reconsider their usual reluctance to make mid-season signings. Strikers like Dusan Vlahovic and Marcus Rashford have been linked with the club, offering potential solutions to their goal-scoring woes. Vlahovic, with 11 goals and two assists in 19 appearances for Juventus this season, could be an ideal fit for Arsenal’s youth-driven transfer model.

Rashford, meanwhile, presents an intriguing option. The Manchester United forward’s inconsistent form may tempt the Red Devils to part ways, and Arsenal could capitalize on this to bolster their frontline. However, securing either player would require significant financial maneuvering, possibly including the sale of Gabriel Jesus to fund such a move.

Some fans and analysts, however, argue that Arsenal’s problems go beyond simply needing a new striker. Kai Havertz, while not prolific, is viewed by some as the perfect fit for Arteta’s tactical system, akin to Roberto Firmino’s role during Liverpool’s peak under Jürgen Klopp. In this setup, the burden of scoring falls on the wingers, but Arsenal’s left flank has failed to deliver consistently.

Bukayo Saka continues to shine, contributing 21 goal involvements in 22 matches. However, Gabriel Martinelli’s form has dipped, and Leandro Trossard, while capable, has not been a reliable source of goals. This imbalance on the wings exacerbates Arsenal’s scoring problems, making it difficult for Havertz to thrive in his current role.

Jonathan David, the Ligue 1 top scorer with 11 goals this season, could be a more affordable alternative. Out of contract with Lille in the summer, David could join Arsenal on a cut-price deal in January or a free transfer at season’s end. His track record suggests he could provide the firepower Arsenal desperately needs without breaking the bank.

Beyond individual signings, Arsenal’s broader squad dynamics and tactical approach warrant scrutiny. Arteta has built a strong team, but the lack of a consistent goal threat remains a glaring weakness. Whether through a marquee signing or internal adjustments, the Gunners must address this issue if they are to challenge Liverpool for the title.

The January transfer window offers an opportunity for Arsenal to recalibrate. While many fans dream of big-money moves for the likes of Vlahovic or Rashford, others see value in more pragmatic solutions like David. Either way, Arteta’s decisions in the coming weeks could define Arsenal’s season.

In the meantime, the Gunners must find a way to rediscover their scoring touch with the players they currently have. With fixtures piling up and the Premier League race heating up, the pressure on Arteta and his misfiring attack will only intensify. Whether they need a new striker or a broader tactical rethink, one thing is clear: Arsenal cannot afford to let this chance slip away.