Arsenal’s striker situation has been put on hold for the 2021/22 season. Both Pierre Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette remain the primary options in the number 9 position for Mikel Arteta.
However, with Aubameyang’s future at the club under scrutiny and Lacazette’s contract close to expiration, the club will likely be looking to invest in the role next summer.
The possible options to be Aubameyang’s long-term replacement could lie within the current crop of players or may require the keen-eyed talent scouts and the technical direction of Edu to acquire a new goalscorer.
The Arsenal Way team takes a look at who Arsenal should target in order to replace their captain.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin
The England and Everton striker has become an established Premier League figure in the last couple of years.
He became the eventual replacement for Romelu Lukaku after he departed for Manchester United and has been a crucial part of the managers' sides under who he has played.
Arsenal under Mikel Arteta have seen a greater focus on homegrown talent come into and through the club. The likes of Emile Smith-Rowe and Bukayo Saka have been integral and this summer saw Ben White and Aaron Ramsdale join.
An England international striker would therefore appeal to Arteta and with 3 goals in his first 3 games this season, it is clear his goalscoring record is not slowing.
The likelihood of Everton letting the 24-year-old leave is slim but as shown by Lukaku’s departure, for the right price the Toffees will do business.
Arsenal though would certainly need to regain their European participation to have any hope of luring Calvert-Lewin to London.
Folarin Balogun
It came as a surprise to many that Folarin Balogun signed a new deal with Arsenal at the end of the previous season. It had looked for so long like the talented striker would be leaving with his deal expiring.
He started the opening game of the season against Brentford with both Aubameyang and Lacazette ill but failed to receive the required service to impact the match.
He is however still very highly rated. 9 goals and 3 assists for the under-23s last season plus a goal on his senior debut in the Europa League drew much attention.
Balogun doesn’t lack in pace or physicality and can take players on willingly. The timing of his runs is that of a much more experienced player and in goalscoring positions he can be lethal.
He needs to improve on his link-up play somewhat and consistency will always be an area to develop for such a young talent, however, he could certainly be the future number 9 of Arsenal.
Gabriel Martinelli
The position of Gabriel Martinelli is still a much-debated topic amongst Arsenal supporters. The Brazilian has played as both a wide forward and a lone striker.
Having scored goals and created chances in both positions, it is obvious why the argument lingers on. Yet, under Arteta, there has been evidence that Martinelli has trained in more of a central role. He was used in the striker position against Chelsea in the second matchday of the league season.
He exploded onto the scene under Unai Emery but has been less utilised under the current manager. Should he be given more opportunities and consistent minutes, there’s no doubt his talent could shine through for the Gunners and even into the long-term.
Youssef En-Nesyri
For the final pick, Youssef En-Nesyri might be an unfamiliar name to some. The Sevilla striker has been linked with a move to the Premier League in the past specifically with West Ham United.
The Moroccan forward is a fantastic all-round player with great pace, clinical finishing and aerial ability.
He makes this list as he will be turning just 25 next June and is already developing at a rapid rate. Having joined Sevilla from now relegated La Liga side Leganes, he scored 18 league goals. This season, he already has 2 goals and an assist in the opening 3 games.
En-Nesyri is set for another fantastic campaign it seems and Arsenal could be waiting to pounce at the end of it. Quite rightly too.
Who do you think Arsenal should sign as Aubameyang's successor in the future? Follow our new Arsenal Fan Brands Writer Tom Canton to get involved in the discussion and give us your thoughts in the comments section below.
