Fabrizio Romano insists Arsenal have plans to sign a new striker in the summer and suggests it won’t affect Kai Havertz’s role.
Fabrizio Romano on Caught Offside said Arsenal plans to sign an ‘outright striker’ in the summer but insists such an arrival will not affect the future of Kai Havertz. The German has been in imperious form of late in a centre-forward role, although his versatility keeps him a busy player despite the potential arrival of a new forward.
Arsenal to sign a new striker
Many pundits and fans have called on Arsenal to bring a prolific goalscorer ahead of the January window. The theory was that Mikel Arteta’s men needed 20-30 goals a season forward, making them bonafide contenders for the Premier League and Champions League.
In a fitting response, Arteta’s men scored 33 times in their eight games in 2024, as they have a much superior goalscoring record in the Premier League over their rivals. While they certainly do not have a presence like Erling Haaland or Darwin Nunez, Arsenal tend to distribute their goals among many players, as their recent form suggests.
Yet, there have been persistent links to multiple names since January, and now Fabrizio Romano insists they plan to sign an ‘outright striker’ in the summer. The Gunners have been without central striker Gabriel Jesus due to a minor knee injury, while Kai Havertz has ably covered that position.
Romano insists that should Arsenal bring in a new forward, it will not affect Havertz’s position at the club, pointing towards his versatility and ability to play multiple positions. The German has vast experience leading the line for Chelsea before, and many fans are not surprised by his rise recently, which has seen him score in four consecutive Premier League games.
Romano said, “Arsenal’s plan is still to sign an outright striker in the summer,”
“The club’s idea remains the same — to look at strikers and find a good solution upfront. It is still too early to pick favourites, but for sure, Mikel Artera wants a forward and a midfielder.”
“For Havertz, this is not bad news. The Gunners’ recruitment team are delighted with his transfer. He is considered a perfect signing because of how versatile he is — he can play in so many different positions.”
Who are the strikers linked with Arsenal?
Ivan Toney has been perenially linked with a move, although recent stories hinted they might escape the chase. They are alert about the Brentford’s star’s future and might even ponder an approach in the summer.
Viktor Gyokeres remains a target, while there are links to Benjamin Sesko of RB Leipzig and Napoli’s Victor Osimhen. Bayern Munich’s Mathys Tel also features on their list, although each name will cost them a considerable fortune.
