Sources: Mikel Arteta now wants Arsenal to sign player totally different to what he’s got
Mikel Arteta is pushing Arsenal to sign a striker with a profile completely different to the current members of his squad, sources have told Football Insider.
The Gunners are in the market for a new forward this summer, and Arteta is urging the club’s board to target a physically-gifted and powerful striker.
The Spaniard is pleased with his current squad and their style of play but feels they could benefit from another option up front.
Gabriel Jesus made a £45million move to North London from Man City in the summer and has scored eight and assisted seven times in 25 appearances this season.
Eddie Nketiah filled in for Jesus during his lengthy spell on the sidelines after the World Cup, and Arteta is a big admirer of both players’ speed, technical ability and link-up play.
But Arteta believes his striking department is lacking a physical and tall striker to give his side more balance and options going forward.
Among Arsenal’s other strikers at the club, Folarin Balogun is set to return to The Emirates this summer after a spectacular loan stint at French side Reims.
Balogun has scored 18 league goals for the Ligue Un side in 2022/23, placing him behind only Jonathan David and Kylian Mbappe in the scoring charts.
However, the 21-year-old’s future at Arsenal is unclear, with the academy graduate demanding more game time if he is to stay put in North London.
Football Insider sources revealed on Friday (14 April) that Balogun won’t play for Arsenal next season unless given guarantees by Arteta.
It is understood that Arsenal want £30million to sell Balogun in the summer – his exit would accelerate the club’s search for a new striker.
In other news, Kieran Maguire: Arsenal ‘in strong negotiating position’ as ‘major’ deal to be agreed