Arsenal’s striker situation has taken a surprising turn as both Viktor Gyokeres and Benjamin Sesko struggle to find their scoring form. Earlier in 2025, Manchester United anticipated signing Sesko, who many believed would join Arsenal. Instead, Gyokeres has filled the striker role but has faced his own challenges, particularly highlighted by a recent superb goal against Inter Milan. This has intensified discussions about whether he should be the starting No. 9 for manager Mikel Arteta.
Both players were initially seen as potential starters for their respective teams. However, as the season progresses, the possibility arises that neither may start in their upcoming matches, primarily due to their underwhelming goal tallies. This season has seen a trend where numerous major striker signings have encountered difficulties, with only Liverpool’s Hugo Ekitike emerging as a notable success, netting eight goals. Together, Gyokeres, Sesko, Liam Delap, and Alexander Isak have contributed a combined total of just 20 goals, equaling the tally of prolific striker Erling Haaland alone.
The figures are concerning, especially considering the collective expenditure for these players, which totals £345 million before add-ons—translating to approximately £17 million per goal, or £23 million if Ekitike is excluded. This raises questions about the effectiveness of the market for forwards, as many of the new signings have not met the high expectations set during the summer transfer window.
In the summer, five clubs—Manchester United, Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea, and Newcastle United—competed for seven prominent striker options: Sesko, Gyokeres, Ekitike, Isak, Delap, Ollie Watkins, and Victor Osimhen. Newcastle settled on Nick Woltemade, whose versatility in midfield positions diverges from the primary striker role. The substantial transfer fees reflect a market inflation driven by demand for forwards, despite the variations in quality.
The £30 million release clause for Delap was seen as a wise investment, given concerns surrounding the ability of many strikers, aside from Isak, to deliver consistently at a top Premier League club. Many observers are questioning whether Delap regrets his choice to move to Chelsea, where competition is fierce among forwards.
While talent is undoubtedly a factor, the current landscape for strikers has evolved. The pressing style adopted by many teams has shifted the focus away from pure goal-scoring. Youth academies are still adapting to new realities, which means that producing prolific finishers has become increasingly complex. For instance, players like Alan Shearer thrived in systems designed to maximize their goal-scoring opportunities. In contrast, the evolution of play has created a disconnection between expectations and actual performance.
Gyokeres, now 27, faces pressure to adapt at Arsenal, while Sesko, at just 22, possesses more room for growth. United’s recent observations suggest that when Sesko’s teammates effectively support him, as evidenced by his two goals against Burnley, he can excel. This kind of support is crucial for strikers, especially those learning to navigate new tactical environments.
Arsenal’s decision to invest £55 million in Gyokeres instead of pursuing Isak was based on the need for depth in their attack. Despite Gyokeres’ struggles, club officials maintain confidence in his abilities. Arteta appreciates several aspects of Gyokeres’ gameplay, although there are concerns about his ability to retain possession and make decisive runs into the box—issues attributed to a lack of confidence.
As Arsenal prepares for upcoming fixtures, the emphasis remains on the need for consistent goal-scoring. The club scored 91 goals across 38 games in the 2023-24 season, with players like Kai Havertz playing significant roles. The depth and versatility that Gyokeres can provide are seen as essential to maintaining momentum during challenging matches.
Yet, the underlying reality remains stark. If Arsenal had a striker of Haaland’s caliber, their performance could potentially be significantly enhanced. The search for a prolific No. 9 continues, as both Gyokeres and Sesko work to overcome their respective challenges and meet the expectations of their clubs. As the season unfolds, the performance of these strikers will be closely monitored, as their contributions could prove crucial for their teams’ ambitions.
