Arsenal can start the next campaign knowing that a top-quality striker will put Mikel Arteta’s side in a good position to qualify for the Champions League. The lack of a presence in the forward was the defining factor in The Gunners missing out on a top-four finish.
The statistics from last season highlight that a forward who has a knack for scoring goals will certainly give the north London side a bigger advantage in reaching Europe’s elite competition.
Eddie Nketiah and Alexandre Lacazette were Arsenal’s forward options in the last campaign. But a significant improvement to these options will certainly go a long way to helping the Gunners reach their next target.
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According to Sky Sports News, Arsenal finished fourth in the Premier League during the 2021/2022 season for expected goals, they also finished fourth in the division for the number of shots attempted, and in the same position for the number of touches in the opposition box.
These statistics should have led to a top-four finish for Arsenal. However, Arteta’s side ranked sixth in the Premier League for the most goals scored with 61 and twelfth for shot conversion rate, which totalled 14.6%.
These two statistics underline the need for a striker who can score goals. And how addressing this position could be the major difference from Arsenal finishing fourth compared to fifth place, which Arteta’s side was condemned to at the end of the campaign.
As previously reported, the Gunners will target two centre-forwards. football.London understands that City striker Jesus and Roma frontman Tammy Abraham are among the shortlisted profiles who could arrive at Emirates Stadium. Jesus, in particular, remains open to leaving the current Premier League champions, with his representative reportedly holding talks with Edu throughout the past few months.
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, The Gunners are preparing the opening bid for Jesus. Manchester City wants around £50m to sell the forward, even if his current deal won’t be extended.
Arteta and the Brazilian international have worked together before during the Spaniard’s three-year tenure at the club as one of Guardiola’s coaching staff. This adds another incentive to secure his signature and improve the forward line ahead of next season.
During Jesus’ time with Arteta, the Brazilian played 6931 minutes and he managed to score 55 goals. This meant that his goals per 90 minutes reached an average of 0.71. This record is better than when Arteta left City because, without the Spaniard, Jesus has played 6850 minutes and scored 39 goals which mean he reached an average of 0.51 goals per game.
Jesus had a 39% goal improvement when Arteta was coaching him, and it is certainly a relationship the pair could rekindle if the Brazilian decides to join the Gunners at the end of the season.
Arsenal have also been targeting Abraham since last year. His impressive season at AS Roma which made him the highest-scoring Englishman in the Serie A over a single season certainly makes him a desirable acquisition.
Both forwards would enhance Arteta’s forward line. If Arsenal are to sign either of these players, the chances of a top-four finish would improve which last seasons has statistics proven.
