Mikel Arteta has been able to identify his new transfer target after it's been revealed that Arsenal lacks a threat in attack from an aerial situation.
Only three teams in the Premier League have attempted fewer crosses than the Gunners so far in this campaign.
The north London side has used different options in the forward position this season, but none of them has a dominant presence in the air. A signing in the area could transform the attacking phase of play.
Edu already has an emerging striker crisis on his hands, so with the clear area for improvement in a striker being revealed, it is now imperative that the Brazilian pushes hard for a striker who has the necessary physical presence.
This season, Arsenal has attempted 279 crosses in the league, which is only higher than Wolves, Tottenham and Leicester City.
Manchester City and Liverpool, who currently sit at the top of the Premier League, also lead the standings for the number of crosses they have tried, as they both sit over 400 attempts.
It is no coincidence that the top two teams in the league have also put in the most crosses, and it is a gap that Arteta must look to close, so they can further their push in returning as one of the best teams in the country.
Arsenal has only scored three headers this season, and a big reason for this is the lack of aerial ability in the attacking positions.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was the starting striker early into the season. Despite being at a good height, he lacks that aerial prowess and is a player who utilises his blistering pace rather than his strengths.
Alexandre Lacazette has been the starting forward in recent weeks, after Aubameyang’s omission due to a disciplinary breach. Still, the Frenchman stands under 6 feet, making it difficult for him to succeed in aerial dues, hence Arsenal’s reluctance to launch crosses into the box.
With Aubameyang’s future in doubt and when you consider Eddie Nketiah and Alexandre Lacazette’s contracts are set to expire in the summer, it seems like a certainty that both strikers will be departing, meaning Arsenal will be in desperate need of a striker.
Edu can look to exploit the market to unlock a new attacking style, which will elevate Arteta’s team in the final third if they can sign a striker with an aerial presence.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin would be the perfect signing to fill this void, as he has the necessary height and aerial dominance alongside the Premier League experience. He has scored 43 Premier League goals so far in his career, with 18 coming from his head.
Arsenal has only scored three-headed goals this season, and if they want to catch up to Manchester City’s seven, then a new signing would undoubtedly go a long way to achieving that.
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