Mikel Arteta says there are four reasons why Arsenal have not signed a top-class forward yet
Today at 09:30 AM
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta often comes under criticism for not signing prolific attackers.
The Spaniard took charge of the Gunners just over five years ago. He has done a lot of good work on and off the pitch and has completely transformed the club.
Arsenal have made immense progress under Arteta, and the next step is to win big trophies. But, many like Alan Shearer feel that will not be possible without a new striker.
Arteta was quizzed why he hasn’t invested more money on his attack over the years, and the Arsenal manager shared his reasons.
Mikel Arteta explains Arsenal’s lack of attacking signings
Since becoming Arsenal’s manager in December 2019, Arteta has overseen 34 transfers – that includes signings on loan as well as permanent deals.
That’s an average of just under four signings per window, which is a decent figure.
However, the big problem for Arsenal in that period is their number of signings in the forward areas. Arteta has brought in just six attackers.
One of those is young Marquinhos, who has barely played, while another is William who came in on a free transfer and had a disastrous spell.
| Arsenal’s attacking signings under Mikel Arteta | Transfer fee |
| Willian | Free |
| Marquinhos | £3m |
| Gabriel Jesus | £45m |
| Leandro Trossard | £27m |
| Kai Havertz | £65m |
| Raheem Sterling | Loan |
In his press conference on Friday, Arteta was asked why he has signed so few players for his forward line compared to other areas of the pitch.
The Arsenal boss explained three reasons for that:
- Because Arsenal already have good attackers
- Because strengthening other areas of the pitch was more important
- Because of player availability
- Arsenal’s inability to afford their key targets
Arteta said, as relayed on Hayters TV: “In the front positions, comparing to what other clubs have done and the expenditure we’ve had there, we are far from it over the years for different reasons.
“First of all, we have very, very good players. And because we had many necessities in the squad to achieve in that period. We have certain limitations and we have a lot of gaps and a lot of things to cover to become the team that we want.
“And then, the availability of the players – can you afford them even if you want them? Sometimes it’s not possible.”
Three of Arteta’s four reasons are correct
Arteta’s explanation certainly makes sense – at least three of them.
Arsenal’s need for quality players in defence and midfield was far greater than their attack. The Spaniard prioritised that and everyone can agree that he has done a good job there.
Secondly, player availability and affordability are not in Arteta’s hands.
For example, Arsenal were ready to pay Benjamin Sesko’s release clause, but he didn’t want to come, while reports have revealed that the Gunners cannot afford Alexander Isak.
We hope things will fall into place – either in this window or in the summer – for Arsenal to finally bring in an elite attacker who will take them to the next level.
