Arsenal came close once again, but ultimately fell short in their pursuit of the Premier League crown.
While there were standout performances across the pitch, one question continues to linger: is a clinical striker the missing link for Mikel Arteta’s side?
We spoke to Jack Abela of LondonWorld to explore whether solving that issue could finally deliver the long-awaited Premier League title.
While there were standout performances across the pitch, one question continues to linger: is a clinical striker the missing link for Mikel Arteta’s side?
We spoke to Jack Abela of LondonWorld to explore whether solving that issue could finally deliver the long-awaited Premier League title.
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00:00Now, Arsenal came close once again, but ultimately fell short in their pursuit of the Premier League crown.
00:08While there were standout performers across the pitch, one question continues to linger.
00:14Is a clinical striker the missing link for Mikel Arteta's side?
00:19The Gunners boasted a strong defence with William Saliba continuing to impress at the back.
00:24And Declan Rice had provided a superb addition in midfield, offering both control and aggression in key moments.
00:33But Kai Osaka, despite injury setbacks, remained one of the most consistent attacking threats in the league.
00:39But up front, the lack of a true number nine often told.
00:43Gabriel Jesus battled injuries and inconsistency, while Colin Havertz filled in admirably.
00:48But the feeling remains that a natural finisher could elevate this team to the next level.
00:54With a solid core in place, Arsenal's progress under Arteta is undeniable.
00:59But they are to leap past the likes of Liverpool and Manchester City.
01:03Addressing the striker conundrum may be key.
01:06This summer could be decisive.
01:08One top-class addition might just complete the puzzle.
01:11We spoke to Jacobello of London World to explore whether solving that issue could finally deliver the long-awaited Premier League title.
01:20Yeah, I mean, if you look at the title race throughout the season, you know, obviously now the race for Champions League, the race for Europe is incredibly tight.
01:29But in terms of the top two, you have to look back on this season and think it was a massive opportunity.
01:36You know, you had Manchester City who just won four titles on the bounce and they suddenly dropped off.
01:41They've had a terrible season by their standards.
01:43You know, no one else was really challenging.
01:45Yes, Liverpool have done a great job.
01:47But Arsenal, as you say, they won 28 games last campaign, only 18 in 36 games this season.
01:53That's just not enough.
01:54And you feel that they did have that same form last season.
01:57They'd have probably stormed to the title.
01:59Yeah, absolutely.
02:01I mean, we mentioned, you know, briefly earlier January, and I think a lot of Arsenal fans were upset that Arsenal didn't go and sign a striker there.
02:09I think, you know, what's becoming maybe increasingly clear is, you know, at that time, Arsenal didn't have a permanent sporting director.
02:15Jason Ato was in on a temporary basis after Edu left.
02:19And I think while signing a striker would have helped push for maybe the Champions League in the Premier League at that point, maybe the right thing to do was to wait for the sporting director to come in and go again this season.
02:31You know, Arsenal fans won't be happy with that.
02:33But now André Berta is in.
02:37He's an experienced sporting director from Atletico Madrid.
02:39And I think, you know, by all accounts, it looks like he's ready to come in and make a real statement and back Arteta.
02:47Who do we want?
02:48Well, look, Arteta loves Alexander Isak.
02:51That's been widely reported.
02:54That's going to be a pretty impossible get, I'd imagine, especially if Newcastle get Champions League.
02:59You know, if Newcastle beat Arsenal at the Emirates at the weekend, then, you know, they will look favourites to go second place as well.
03:08So whether Isak would even want to leave is another question altogether.
03:12It looks as if Victor Jokerez is the number one target.
03:17André Berta has made it very clear that he's a big fan of the Sporting Lisbon striker who, you know, scored 95 goals in 100 games for Sporting Lisbon.
03:27Obviously, you know, that league is slightly different to the Premier League.
03:31We know it's not as strong, but, you know, those numbers still, you can't turn your nose up at that.
03:35So if Arsenal go out and get a Jokerez or a Benjamin Sesko, I think, especially if Arsenal get Jokerez, who's, you know, looks to be a proven goal scorer, I think it will be played as the final piece of the puzzle for Arteta.
03:53And, yeah, without, with a big centre forward, it does, yeah, it seems like you say that will be the final piece of the puzzle and the pressure will be on Arteta to deliver.
04:05Now, whether or not Jokerez is Arteta's dream signing is another conversation.
04:09But, yeah, I think you're right.
04:11That's also, you know, you have to bear in mind, we have to try and keep all the players this window as well.
04:15I think if Arsenal maintain their squad, I can't really see anyone leaving, but Real Madrid have looked at William Saliba.
04:21If that was to happen, then suddenly you've got another situation that you need to fix at the back.
04:26And, you know, if Arsenal can keep hold of this current squad and sign a top striker in Europe, then, yeah, I mean, they need another winger as well.
04:35But, yeah, they've got a really good chance and then pressure really will start to mount on Arteta around Arsenal to get a big trophy over the line.