In years gone by, Arsenal supporters have been truly blessed to witness countless attacking talents who have led them to silverware in various competitions.
From the likes of Thierry Henry and Dennis Bergkamp to Alexis Sanchez and Bukayo Saka, the club has undoubtedly been home to a plethora of elite-level talents.
However, Mikel Arteta is currently struggling to get the best out of his attacking department at the Emirates, even though his side currently sit top of the Premier League.
The statistics behind Arsenal’s struggling attack
Over recent years, the Arsenal hierarchy have spent a small fortune on improving the attacking department to bolster their title chances in the Premier League.
However, the Gunners have struggled for top-level performances in such an area, as seen by their measly tally of just 24 big chances created this campaign.
Manchester United, Sunderland and Crystal Palace all occupy places in the division’s bottom three, but have all managed to register more big chances this season.
Of the 24 big chances created by Arteta’s men, the players have squandered 15 of which – resulting in the side failing to take advantage of 63% of the efforts they have generated.
The aforementioned figures will certainly be a concern to manager Arteta, with a couple of players on the books no doubt contributing to the recent struggles within attacking areas.
Why Gyokeres & Havertz are no longer at the level needed for success
Kai Havertz is a player who has constantly come into question over his performances at Arsenal, with the German often featuring in a somewhat unnatural centre-forward role.
He’s managed to find the back of the net on three occasions in his 10 league outings this term, but the 27-year-old has been guilty of missing three big chances to date.
The former Chelsea man has also only registered 1.8 shots per 90 this term, with the aforementioned figure ranking him in the bottom 25% of all strikers in England’s top-flight.
However, he’s not the only attacking option to struggle within the final third in recent weeks, with Viktor Gyokeres unable to dislodge the aforementioned talent from the starting eleven.
|
Arsenal attackers PL G+As (2026/27) |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Player |
Goals |
Assists |
G+A |
|
Bukayo Saka |
3 |
0 |
3 |
|
Kai Havertz |
3 |
0 |
3 |
|
Martin Ødegaard |
3 |
0 |
3 |
|
Noni Madueke |
1 |
0 |
1 |
|
Christos Tzolis |
0 |
1 |
1 |
|
Viktor Gyökeres |
1 |
0 |
1 |
|
Eberechi Eze |
0 |
0 |
0 |
The Swedish international has only started one Premier League game this campaign, which has seen him feature for a total of 181 minutes to date and failing to score a single goal.
During such a period, he’s only been able to register two shots on goal, whilst also winning an average of just 1.4 duels per 90 – ranking him in the bottom 5% of all forwards in the division.
How Arsenal can secure a mega Havertz & Gyokeres upgrade
With the January window now rapidly appearing on the horizon, the Arsenal hierarchy will no doubt be starting to line up possible additions to further strengthen Arteta’s squad.
RB Leipzig attacker Antonio Nusa has been mentioned as a possible target for the Gunners after his blistering start to the 2026/27 campaign – with a £75m asking price mooted.
He’s not the only player mentioned with a move to the Emirates, with AFC Bournemouth star Eli Kroupi Junior once again appearing on the hierarchy’s radar.
It’s been reported by The Independent that the Gunners hierarchy see the Frenchman as their top transfer target to improve the attacking department this winter.
However, they believe that the Cherries would rather sanction a sale during the summer months to hand themselves an extended period to secure a replacement.
Other reports have confirmed that the 20-year-old would also cost a small fortune, with a deal in the region of £100m needed to secure a deal for the talented youngster.
His stats from his debut season in the Premier League last term showcase his quality within attacking areas and highlight why he would be an upgrade on the likes of Havertz and Gyokeres.
Kroupi registered an impressive average of 1.2 shots on target per 90 last campaign, whilst managing to direct 42% of the efforts he attempted on target.
Both of the aforementioned figures were higher than those produced by the current Arsenal attacking duo, which showcases his ability to deliver the goods within attacking areas.
Away from his incredible finishing ability, the talented youngster also managed to catch the eye with his chance creation – as he provided 1.2 opportunities for his teammates per 90.
The likes of Havertz and Gyokeres both failed to register more than one per 90 last campaign, which restricted them from providing opportunities for others around him.
He did manage to break the record for the most goals by a teenager in their debut season last campaign, which led to teammate Marcus Tavernier labelling the youngster as “world-class.”
£100m would be a mega deal considering his lack of his experience in the Premier League, but it would be one that would see the Gunners land a hugely exciting talent.
Any move would see Arteta’s men finally land a player who can solve their number nine issues and push the likes of Havertz and Gyokeres closer to the exit door.
