Gyokeres picked up an injury last weekendplaceholder image
Gyokeres picked up an injury last weekend | Arsenal FC via Getty Images
Arsenal are riding the crest of a wave and are looking to make hay whilst the sun shines and strengthen their attack.
Viktor Gyokeres was never going to hit the back of the net for Arsenal with the same regularity that he did for Sporting Lisbon, but his current ratio is on target to be a respectable one.
A target of over 20 goals is more than achievable if the big Swede can return to action quickly from his current injury. Mikel Arteta was coy ahead of the North London derby vs Tottenham about when Gyokeres would return, however, there has been nothing mentioned about a prolonged period of absence. With Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus also working their way back to full fitness, Mikel Merino has had to fill in, again.
Arsenal consider Serhou Guirassy transfer move
Given the current situation, It is no surprise to see Arsenal linked with Serhou Guirassy to bolster the forward line with reports suggesting that Jesus could be allowed to leave the Emirates as early as in January. After an impressive summer recruitment programme, the no.9 position remains one where Arteta still lacks depth and the Borussia Dortmund target man has been named by Fichajes as a possible target.
Arsenal are “seriously considering” signing Guirassy according to the report which has been linked to the possible departure of Jesus in the upcoming winter transfer window. This will leave a void in the squad that Arteta wants to fill with a centre forward capable of providing the sort of power and aggression that Gyokeres has brought to the attack. With 11 goals and four assists in 21 appearances, 6ft 2inch tall Serhou Guirassy is a proven operator.
Arsenal have been keeping tabs on Guirassy for some time with the 29-year old having an attractive release clause. According to several media outlets, the Premier League leaders could activate the Guinean striker's release clause which, according to his contract, would allow him to leave for a fee close to €50 million (£44m) for a select group of major clubs, including Arsenal.
Do Arsenal need Guirassy?
There is nothing wrong with Arsenal’s defence, in fact, even without the injured Gabriel, it is still the strongest in the Premier League. What has hamstrung Arteta in recent seasons has been when the goals have dried up or when players like Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard have been injured. Those players have been labelled “expendable” recently due to how resilient the defence has been and because of the summer acquisitions.
The one thing Arteta doesn’t have is a reliable backup option to Gyokeres in terms of an out-and-out no.9. Jesus is no longer the player he once was at Man City and doesn’t have the physicality of Gyokeres or Guirassy with Havertz always looking more comfortable facing the play rather than with his back to it.
s with Merino, Havertz can do a job, but if Arsenal are to compete for trophies in the Premier League and Champions League, he needs a striker who can come in and score goals when Gyokeres is injured or needs to be rotated.
Not every player would be happy with being second choice, but Arsenal should take advantage of their current status as England’s best club to land a striker who could make a real difference at the Emirates.
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