Arsenal unveil their striker succession plan

Heading for crisis?

Arsenal’s transfer business next summer seems to be strongly predicated on the need for a striker.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has struggled in front of goal so far this season, with his latest high-profile miss against Newcastle United nine days ago, and a no-show performance against Manchester United, summing up his difficulties at present.

How did he not score there!? 🤯

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang misses an absolute sitter for Arsenal… pic.twitter.com/hf2O1ApmgB

— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) November 27, 2021

Meanwhile, both Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah, Arsenal’s other two senior strikers, are out of contract in the summer, with the latter turning down his latest contract offer in search of first-team football. Gabriel Martinelli can be utilised through the middle, but is a winger by trade, although he provided a striker’s finish at the weekend.

This leaves only Folarin Balogun able to operate through the middle, and despite continuing to impress at underage level, he has made just one senior Premier League appearance, suggesting that perhaps the youngster is not ready to assume the Aubameyang mantle just yet.

Balogun to depart?

Now, as per the reliable David Ornstein of The Athletic, Balogun will be free to depart on loan in January.

🚨 Exclusive: Leeds United set for full takeover by 49ers in next 2yrs. Already own 44% and @TheAthleticUK can reveal option exists to buy rest by Jan 2024 for total price above £400m. Includes Elland Road. If happens, Radrizzani may keep small stake #LUFC https://t.co/YVOWS0iBSK

— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) December 6, 2021

Ornstein revealed:

While the situation could change, Arsenal’s current intention is for the striker to depart on a temporary basis.
It is thought that Arsenal recognise Balogun must be challenged at a higher level after his exploits so far this season.  

This could leave the door to both Eddie Nketiah and Alexandre Lacazette staying at the club until the summer, with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang set to depart for the African Cup of Nations in January.

Folarin Balogun’s record for Arsenal:

U18s – 41 games, 38 goals
U23s/U21s – 60 games, 37 goals
First-team – 9 games, 2 goals pic.twitter.com/BkE136Fyew

— Jeorge Bird (@jeorgebird) November 29, 2021

Come the summer, it would leave Arsenal with Auba and Balogun as their striker options. Arsenal, however, are likely to add another, as per Charles Watts, “with a new striker high up on their wish list.” 

The likes of Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Alexander Isak, Dusan Vlahovic and Jonathan David have all been linked in recent weeks.

Who would you like to see come in?

Read more:

Man United boss Rangnick provides insight into plans for Mason Greenwood

Video & explanation as Leeds chief Victor Orta loses it with fan after equaliser vs Brentford

---