In a bold move that has caught the attention of football fans and pundits alike, Mikel Arteta, the manager of Arsenal, is reportedly looking to bolster his attacking options by targeting two strikers from Premier League rivals Chelsea. With Arsenal’s current strike force not delivering the kind of goalscoring consistency expected of a top-tier club, Arteta seems determined to strengthen his squad as he eyes a potential title challenge in the coming seasons.
Arsenal’s forward line has often been a subject of scrutiny during Arteta’s tenure. While the team boasts a highly talented attacking midfield and wingers, there has been growing concern over the number of goals generated from the center-forward position. With Gabriel Jesus having missed significant time through injury and Eddie Nketiah’s performances being inconsistent, Arteta is now focusing his attention on Chelsea players who could bring the quality and experience Arsenal needs to truly compete at the top.
While the specifics of the two strikers are yet to be confirmed, early reports suggest that Arteta has identified two Chelsea forwards who could potentially make the move across London. The first of these is Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, the former Arsenal captain who left the club in 2022 to join Chelsea. Aubameyang’s time at Stamford Bridge has been a rocky one, and with Chelsea’s forward line being overhauled in recent months, he may no longer be in their long-term plans. Despite his age, Aubameyang’s ability to find the back of the net remains undeniable, and Arteta could be looking to reunite with the striker, who was a prolific figure during his initial spell at Arsenal.
The second potential target is Kai Havertz, the versatile forward who joined Chelsea from Bayer Leverkusen in 2020. While Havertz is not a traditional striker, his ability to operate in various attacking roles, combined with his technical skills, makes him an appealing option for Arteta, who values flexibility in his attacking setup. Havertz has struggled to replicate his best form at Chelsea, but Arteta might be willing to give the 24-year-old another chance to rediscover his potential in a different tactical environment at Arsenal.
Arteta’s interest in these Chelsea strikers is perhaps indicative of his broader strategy to strengthen his squad with players who have experience in the Premier League, as well as the capability to adjust to Arteta’s high-pressing, possession-based style of play. Aubameyang and Havertz, despite their challenges at Chelsea, bring with them the experience of playing in one of the world’s toughest leagues and would add depth and quality to Arsenal’s forward options.
Furthermore, Chelsea’s current financial struggles and squad overhaul under new ownership could make both players available for reasonable fees. With the financial implications of the COVID-19 pandemic still affecting many clubs, the opportunity to sign established players from a direct competitor could be too good for Arteta to pass up, especially as Arsenal look to maintain their status as one of the Premier League’s top sides.
If these signings were to come to fruition, it would be a major statement of intent from Arsenal. With the club performing admirably in the league and looking to return to the top of English football, Arteta’s proactive approach in the transfer market could ensure that the Gunners are well-equipped for both domestic and European challenges.
In conclusion, the potential signings of Aubameyang and Havertz from Chelsea highlight Arteta’s desire to strengthen his squad with proven talent. While the details of these deals remain to be seen, Arsenal fans will be eagerly awaiting further developments as Arteta looks to build on the foundations laid over the past few seasons and push for more silverware in the future.