The six forwards Mikel Arteta has signed for Arsenal & their records as Alexander Isak embarrasses the Gunners
Yesterday at 07:30 AM
Mikel Arteta has now been at Arsenal for more than five years – and questions need to be asked.
The Spaniard only has the FA Cup and two FA Community Shields to show for almost £700m worth of recruitment since he replaced Unai Emery in December 2019.
Therefore, the Carabao Cup semi-final clash against Newcastle on Tuesday represented an opportunity for Arsenal to take a huge step towards a much needed trophy, although goals from Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon inflicted a 2-0 defeat on the Gunners, who must now score at least twice at St James’ Park in the second leg without conceding to have any chance of reaching the final.
Isak impressed Arsenal fans on a night where he netted his 50th goal for Newcastle in just 89 appearances, and showed the north Londoners what they are missing in attack.
Arsenal wanted Isak before his £63m move to Newcastle from Real Sociedad back in August 2022 – and on that note, let’s take a deeper look at the six attacking players Mikel Artetahas managed to bring to the Emirates Stadium.
Mikel Arteta’s woeful record of signing forwards at Arsenal
When you look at the names and records of attacking players the 42-year-old has signed for Arsenal, it’s no wonder the Gunners seem so ineffective in the final third right now.
| Kai Havertz | Gabriel Jesus | Leandro Trossard | Marquinhos | Raheem Sterling | Willian | |
| Appearances | 77 | 95 | 96 | 6 | 11 | 37 |
| Goals | 26 | 26 | 22 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Assists | 10 | 17 | 15 | 1 | 2 | 7 |
| Transfer fee | £65m | £45m | £27m | £3m | Loan | Free |
In the same period of time, Arsenal’s Premier League rivals have signed the likes of Erling Haaland, Luis Diaz, Cody Gakpo, Cole Palmer, Dominic Solanke, Isak and Gordon, all of whom are far superior to the level of attacking talent Arteta has summoned to N5.
Tomas Rosicky could help
Arteta was not the only one who worked on these deals.
Edu Gaspar assisted the Spaniard in his role as Director of Football before quitting earlier this season, leaving Arsenal without a transfer negotiator.
However, Tomas Rosicky is a leading candidate to replace Edu – according to the Guardian – having impressed in his role as Director of Football at Sparta Prague.
Therefore, Arteta could soon be aided by the man he made 68 appearances alongside at Arsenal during his playing days.
