There’s a particular kind of heartbreak that Arsenal supporters have come to know intimately over these past three seasons – watching title challenges dissolve when being ahead in the title race— not through dramatic collapses but through the quiet resignation that comes from lacking that clinical presence who turns narrow margins into goals that change the Premier League form guide.
For all of Mikel Arteta’s meticulous reconstruction of Arsenal’s identity, the absence of an elite striker has become the glass ceiling through which the club can see the Premier League trophy but cannot quite grasp it, with games that should be won slipping into draws and title ambitions transforming into honourable mentions.
Arsenal’s former technical director Edu and Arteta have acknowledged this reality with their actions in recent windows. With the Gunners fully focused on bringing in an elite striker this summer to transform them from perpetual bridesmaids to champions, the question becomes not whether they will sign a forward, but which one will finally carry them across that elusive finish line.
Alexander Isak
Swedish international Alexander Isak carries himself with a languid elegance that masks a predatory instinct, as demonstrated by his sublime finish against Liverpool in the League Cup final at Wembley.
At Newcastle, Isak has evolved from promising talent to a proven Premier League force without compromising the technical virtuosity that evokes whispers of Thierry Henry comparisons in north London.
What separates him from merely good strikers is his completeness – finishing with both feet, challenging in the air, linking play, and stretching defences with intelligent running – offering Arsenal the multidimensional threat their current options lack.
Ollie Watkins
There’s an emotional resonance to Ollie Watkins that transcends sporting calculation – a boy who grew up with Arsenal posters on his bedroom walls, dreaming of one day leading the line at the Emirates.
His transformation under Unai Emery at Aston Villa has been remarkable, evolving into that rarest of commodities: a forward who contributes to every phase of play without sacrificing cutting edge. Arteta’s system demands a striker who can press intelligently, combine in tight spaces, and attack the box with precise timing – all qualities Watkins has demonstrated while adding a newfound composure in front of goal that was once questioned.
Benjamin Sesko
In Benjamin Sesko, Arsenal would be investing in both immediate impact and future potential – a rare alignment of readiness and runway.
At RB Leipzig, Sesko has demonstrated consistency against elite opposition, scoring against Bayern Munich, Juventus, Atletico Madrid, and Borussia Dortmund.
His towering presence offers Arsenal a dimension they currently lack – aerial dominance combined with the mobility modern pressing systems demand.
At approximately £66 million, he represents a substantial but not prohibitive investment that would allow Arsenal to address other squad needs simultaneously.
Viktor Gyokeres
The Swedish international’s statistics at Sporting CP border on the absurd – 40 goals in 41 games this season following 43 in 50 the previous campaign – numbers that transcend tactical context and speak of a player who has mastered his craft.
Beyond the gaudy totals lies a striker whose game has expanded in Portugal, adding creative passing to his formidable finishing.
His physical strength allows him to operate as a traditional target man when needed, while his improved technical abilities enable him to function in Arsenal’s fluid attacking structures.
Though questions remain about transferability to Premier League intensity, Viktor Gyokeres offers the hunger of someone who has fought for every step of recognition.