Reports suggest that Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta may need to ‘sacrifice’ either Leandro Trossard or Gabriel Martinelli to secure a striker.
The Gunners have experienced a solid season in the Premier League yet again but seem almost guaranteed to relinquish the title to Liverpool with 11 games remaining.
Arsenal's recent loss of 1-0 to West Ham and a 0-0 draw with Nottingham Forest has caused them to trail the Reds by 13 points, who have played one game fewer than Arteta's team.
Arsenal have faced injuries at inopportune moments, with Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz both sidelined for the remainder of the season, and Bukayo Saka and Martinelli are not expected to return to fitness soon.
The Gunners sought to acquire a new striker during the January transfer window but ultimately conceded defeat near the conclusion of the window, leaving them without an experienced centre-forward.
Midfielder Mikel Merino has recently been utilized as an auxiliary striker, and Arsenal aims to prevent a similar situation from occurring next season.
Despite their injury woes, many believed that the Gunners required a top striker to secure the Premier League and other prestigious titles.
They intend to do just that, as the Daily Mirror reports Arteta is 'set on implementing a significant overhaul this summer with a high-profile striker and winger on their target list.'
It is suggested that Arteta ‘might need to give up one of his key players to finance a summer overhaul,’ with Trossard and Martinelli cited as the two individuals that Arsenal ‘must sell to complete all their transactions.’
The Daily Mirror states:
Arsenal has the potential to engage in significant transactions this summer regarding their Profit and Sustainability Rules and financial capacity. Arsenal manager Arteta holds a high regard for Newcastle forward Alexander Isak, though they are more likely to pursue RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko.
Sesko might be permitted to leave for £55m, but Arsenal intends to invest significantly in other attacking alternatives after facing major issues with Gabriel Jesus, Kai Havertz, and Bukayo Saka all sidelined due to injuries.
The Gunners are seeking a new left winger, which could lead to Trossard or Martinelli being sold, with Athletic Bilbao's Nico Williams at the top of their preferences, though they also have a strong interest in Bournemouth's Antoine Semenyo. Arsenal are preparing to part ways with Jorginho and Thomas Partey, whose contracts expire this summer, but they have a £51m agreement ready for Real Sociedad's Martin Zubimendi.
‘However, they desire a significant change and, to facilitate adjustments, they might need to release players, with Jakub Kiwior and Oleksandr Zinchenko also expected to be unwanted.’
Liverpool icon John Aldridge believes Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has been "unfortunate" with the injuries his team has faced and thinks the Spaniard should remain in charge.
Aldridge stated to Betano: “I believe Mikel Arteta has faced misfortune with injuries this season." If injuries hadn't occurred, I believe they would be much nearer to Liverpool and competing for the title – that must be factored in. I understand he has been there for more than five seasons and has just one trophy to display for it, but at times you can dismiss a manager too hastily, hire a new one, and end up making things worse.
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