Mikel Arteta rules out striker signing amid Arsenal’s strong start to the season
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has put an end to speculation about the club’s pursuit of a marquee center forward before the closure of the summer transfer window.
Speaking after Arsenal’s 2-0 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers in their opening Premier League match of the 2024-2025 season, Arteta clarified that the club would not be signing a new striker.
The Gunners had been linked with several high-profile strikers, including Victor Osimhen, Alexander Isak, Dominic Solanke, Ivan Toney, Ollie Watkins, Lautaro Martinez, Dusan Vlahovic, Joshua Zirkzee, Benjamin Sesko, and Jonathan David. Reports had suggested that Arsenal was making moves for some of these players, with Sky Sport Germany transfer market expert Florian Plettenberg confirming an approach for Osimhen, the reigning African Footballer of the Year.
Despite interest from top clubs and a hefty release clause of 130 million euros that has complicated matters, Arsenal’s manager has expressed confidence in the current squad. Arteta emphasized his trust in Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz, who, along with Leandro Trossard, are expected to fill the central attacking role.
“I have faith in [Kai Havertz], we have faith in [Gabriel Jesus]. [Leandro Trossard] has played in that position,” Arteta told talkSPORT. “So we have different qualities in there and the best thing we can do is trust the players that we have and try to improve them. They are so good and so willing, and that’s what we focus on.”
Osimhen, who has agreed personal terms with Paris Saint-Germain, is awaiting a move to the French champions, pending the sale of a PSG player. The former Lille striker is prepared to wait until the end of the transfer window for the deal to materialize.
Arsenal, who scored 91 goals last season—second only to champions Manchester City—and boasted the Premier League’s best defensive record with just 29 goals conceded, are confident in their current attacking options. Arteta’s decision to forego a new signing aligns with his belief in the abilities and potential of his existing squad.
