Arsenal hasten pursuit for new striker following UCL exit

Arsenal are increasing their search for at least one new forward following this week’s exit from Champions League as per sources. 

Arsenal’s quest to reach their first semi final since 2009 came to a disappointing end when Bayern Munich knocked them out of the competition at the Allianz Arena on Wednesday. Joshua Kimmich scored the only goal of the match which was enough for the German giants to go through as Munich advanced 3-2 on aggregate across the two legs. 

According to sources Arsenal are keen to bolster in several positions but are mainly focused on strengthening their forward line, with the hunt of both a striker and a winger thoroughly assessed. 

Kai Havertz in recent weeks has been used as a central striker with Gabriel Jesus majorly restricted to the impact substitute role while Nketiah has not been handed a start in any competition since Arsenal’s 2-1 defeat at Craven Cottage on New Year’s Eve. 

The Gunners had long held an interest in bringing in Brentford’s Ivan Toney but club sources believe have frequently said they are now looking at other alternatives. 

Sources outside the club have reported that among the players under the radar are Sporting Lisbon striker Viktor Gyökeres, RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko and Wolves winger Pedro Neto

Earlier this month Arteta hinted at the club’s plans while revealing he would like to work with a smaller group of players but with better quality to step up the amount of rotation, somewhat similar to Manchester City. 

Arsenal are eyeing greater strength in terms of depth having shown physical strain signs arising from the increased demands of the club’s return to the Champions League football after a seven year long absence from the competition. 

In each of the past two seasons Arsenal have suffered season slumps. In the 2021/22 season they failed to make it to the top four and last year they managed to win just two of the last nine games as Pep Guardiola’s men overhauled them to retain the Premier League title. 

The club have some clearance within the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules but their summer budget could be further boosted by the exit of various fringe players including Reiss Nelson and Nketiah. Arsenal were ready to hear offers for Thomas Partey last summer and a new midfielder could also be earmarked if a suitable offer for Partley arrives.