Arsenal Faces Transfer Challenges After Missing Premier League Striker

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta faces scrutiny after missing out on signing young striker Liam Delap, who has joined Chelsea for £30 million, a move many critics view as a transfer blunder given Arsenal's urgent need for a proven No.9. The Gunners are prioritizing strengthening their squad with a new striker and central midfielder following a fifth consecutive trophyless season despite finishing second in the Premier League again and reaching the Champions League semi-finals. Arsenal appears close to securing Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi in a £51 million deal, with other striker targets including Viktor Gyokeres, Benjamin Sesko, and Alexander Isak under consideration. Former players and pundits have emphasized the necessity of investing heavily in a reliable striker to challenge for major trophies next season, suggesting that the pressure on Arteta will increase significantly after these signings. While Sesko is seen as a potential game-changing forward, many feel missing out on Delap represents a costly oversight amid Arsenal's transfer window activities. Overall, this summer's transfer decisions are critical for Arteta and Arsenal to break their silverware drought and compete at the highest level.