Arsenal’s Striker Hunt Dampened as Arteta Acknowledges Goal-Scoring Woes
Arsenal’s quest for a much-needed striker in the January transfer window seems increasingly unlikely, with Mikel Arteta conceding that the club’s goal-scoring problems have become a psychological hurdle.
The Gunners’ FA Cup exit at the hands of Liverpool highlighted their offensive struggles, having managed just one goal from a staggering 63 shots since Christmas.
Despite the urgency to bolster their attacking options, Brentford’s Ivan Toney, a prime target for Arsenal, comes with a hefty £80 million valuation, deterring any mid-season move.
Arteta admitted that securing a natural goal scorer this month is improbable given the current circumstances.
The North London club’s recent form adds to the pressure, having won just one of their last seven games across all competitions, including three consecutive defeats against West Ham United, Fulham, and now Liverpool in the FA Cup.
Addressing the mounting concerns about missed opportunities turning into a mental challenge, Arteta remarked that the issue seems to have amplified, particularly after their latest setback against Liverpool.
He emphasized the need for a reset and hailed the forthcoming break as timely, hoping to gauge the team’s resolve and individual responses during challenging times.
Meanwhile, the absence of Gabriel Jesus against Liverpool due to a knee problem raised concerns, although Arteta remains optimistic about the Brazilian striker’s return for a mid-season training camp in Dubai ahead of Arsenal’s clash with Crystal Palace on January 20th.
Jesus, who endured a three-month absence last season due to a knee injury from the World Cup, underwent scans that revealed a concern in the same knee. However, the club aims to tread cautiously, hoping the issue isn’t severe.
The upcoming period appears crucial for Arsenal, not only in terms of addressing their goal-scoring shortcomings but also in assessing the team’s mental resilience amid a challenging phase in the season.
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