Despite Arsenal’s impressive early-season form in this year’s Premier League, concerns have been raised about the club’s struggles within the attacking third.
Mikel Arteta’s side have only scored two or more goals in just 40% of their league games to date, with the 1-0 win over newly-promoted Hull City highlighting struggles.
No player within the Gunners’ senior ranks has managed to register more than three goals to date, which has undoubtedly contributed to the lack of quality.
Two players in particular have been unable to deliver the goods, which has led to questions being asked about their long-term future at the Emirates Stadium.
Why Arsenal need an upgrade on Gyokeres & Havertz
Over the last 12 months, Viktor Gyokeres and Kai Havertz have been tasked with leading the line for Arsenal in their efforts to secure Premier League success.
Whilst both have endured purple patches during the aforementioned period, neither of the duo have been able to offer a sustained and impactful presence in attacking areas.
This season has showcased both of the players’ lack of quality within the final third, with the Swedish international only starting one game in the top-flight this campaign.
The 28-year-old has failed to score a single goal in the competition either, which has seen him lose his starting position to the German during the last couple of months.
Havertz himself has failed to cover himself in glory, subsequently missing three big chances this campaign – a figure which is the joint-highest in Arteta’s squad.
Both have placed less than a third of their shots this season on target, which further highlights their wasteful nature when chances have fallen their way this term.
Whilst the Gunners sit top of the tree and boast a five-point lead, such an advantage could easily slip through their fingers if they keep squandering chances in front of goal.
Why Arsenal are now working on a deal to sign £50m talisman
Ahead of the winter transfer window, Arsenal will no doubt be targeting additional attacking reinforcements to try and improve the options at Arteta’s disposal.
Players like Antonio Nusa have been touted as possible options during the upcoming window, but prising players away from their current clubs is always trickier mid-season.
However, that certainly won’t play in the mind of the Gunners’ hierarchy, who will want to hand the manager the firepower needed to sustain their success.
A new name has appeared on their shortlist over the last couple of days, with AFC Bournemouth striker Evanilson emerging as a possible option to improve the forward line.
It’s been reported by the Daily Briefing that Arsenal are currently leading the race for the Brazilian’s signature ahead of the January transfer window opening.
Their report claims that Manchester City are another side in the race for the 27-year-old, and are currently battling for his signature despite their ongoing financial breach.
The Cherries are understandably reluctant to allow their talisman to depart the Vitality and have placed a £50m valuation above his head to fend off any interest.
Despite the valuation, it would be an excellent deal for Arsenal, with Evanilson arguably the most in-form attacker in the Premier League over the last few weeks.
|
PL top scorers (2026/27) |
||
|---|---|---|
|
Player |
Club |
Goals |
|
Erling Haaland |
Man City |
9 |
|
Alexander Isak |
Liverpool |
7 |
|
Nicolas Jackson |
Aston Villa |
6 |
|
Thierno Barry |
Everton |
6 |
|
Evanilson |
Bournemouth |
5 |
|
João Pedro |
Chelsea |
5 |
|
Rayan Cherki |
Man City |
5 |
|
Marcus Tavernier |
Bournemouth |
5 |
|
Morgan Rogers |
Chelsea |
5 |
He’s on a run of six goals in the last seven games across all competitions, which includes a period of five consecutive games in which he’s scored in the Premier League.
As a result, he’s now the fourth-highest goalscorer in the division at present, and has subsequently outscored both Gyokeres and Havertz in the process.
His underlying stats also make for excellent reading, with Evanilson a player who can finally provide the attacking threat that’s needed at the Emirates this campaign.
Alongside his goalscoring ability, the Brazilian has also ranked in the top 20% of all attackers in the Premier League for dribbles completed and chances created per 90 – backing up Andoni Iraola’s claim that he’s a “phenomenal” attacker.
As a result, he could allow other attackers around him in North London to improve their own tallies – further improving the Gunners’ chances of retaining their title.
£50m may be seen as a hefty investment, but it’s one that would undoubtedly fix Arteta’s biggest issue within his senior ranks for the immediate and long-term future.
