For the third season running, Arsenal have fallen short in achieving their goal of winning the Premier League title. The pressure will slowly rise on Mikel Arteta at the start of next season, as the Gunners can ill-afford another close encounter with the championship without winning it.
Arsenal’s Attacking Woes
At the heart of their problems this season has been their lack of attacking output, which was a factor many questioned before a ball was even kicked in the 2024-25 season. The numbers make for a disappointing reading from an Arsenal perspective, as they scored just 69 goals in the Premier League, with just 51 being registered from open play.
A worrying factor was the fact that Kai Havertz was their top-scorer in the league, netting just nine times. Of their traditional number nine options, Gabriel Jesus scored just three in the Premier League.
The skipper secures three points ✊ pic.twitter.com/Npa6jheY9S
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) May 26, 2025
Therefore, it is no surprise that Arsenal are lining up a big summer move for a recognised forward. But, which player could potentially fire them toward a first Premier League title in over 20 years?
Benjamin Šeško
Arsenal have a long-standing interest in RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Šeško, and have been in the market for the striker since his move to the Bundesliga. The striker has enjoyed another steady campaign in one of Europe’s top leagues this season, despite his team’s struggles.
It’s been a difficult season for us. Sometimes in football things don’t go as we all want, and we all take responsibility for that.
Fighting for RB Leipzig shirt, badge, colours this season has been once again a massive honour, a source of pride. pic.twitter.com/gue0J4jSVZ— Benjàmin Šeško 🇸🇮 (@B_Sesko9) May 20, 2025
Šeško has scored 13 goals in 33 league appearances and has netted an impressive 26 in 53 across all competitions for club and country. His attacking output has been of a high standard, scoring 0.49 goals per 90, and registering an average of 1.94 shots per 90. Of those efforts, he hits the target with an average of 1.20 of his efforts.
It isn’t just his scoring heroics that have caught the eye at Leipzig, as Šeško has also completed an average of 1.43 successful dribbles per 90, meaning a 55% dribble success rate.
Pros & Cons
Šeško has shown his ability to score frequently throughout a season in one of Europe’s top five leagues, and he has also proven this in the Champions League and at the international level. His mobility also ensures that he could effortlessly slot into Arteta’s side.
However, a potential deal is unlikely to come cheap, with Leipzig demanding in the region of £80 million. It is also worth noting that Šeško is far from the finished article, and Arsenal will once again be buying a player with potential. Therefore, it could be a risky move should the Gunners have the intention of hitting the ground running and challenging for the Premier League title next season.
Viktor Gyökeres
It has been widely reported that one of the hottest properties in Europe will be on the move this summer, as Viktor Gyökeres looks set to end his stay at Sporting Lisbon. The Swedish striker has proven himself to be one of the best number nines in world football this season, scoring a remarkable 63 goals in 57 matches across all competitions.
Gooners, Viktor Gyökeres or Benjamin Šeško? The Oliver Twist in me wants both at Arsenal. pic.twitter.com/Vs4UFOwsiO
— Just Another Lad (@JusAnotherLad) May 27, 2025
Gyökeres shone bright in the Champions League earlier in the season, netting six goals in eight games, and he averaged better than a goal per game in Liga NOS.
His stats in 2024-25 are incredibly eye-catching, netting 1.25 goals per 90, and registering 39 goals from an xG of 33.06. His physicality is also something that Arteta will strongly consider, especially given Arsenal’s excellent record from set pieces.
Pros and Cons
Gyökeres is one of the hottest properties in European football, which means that signing the Swedish international would be a statement signing for the Gunners this summer. The striker’s goal-to-game ratio is staggeringly impressive, and he would arrive at the Emirates Stadium as a much closer striker to a finished article than any other option available.
As well as taking the domestic league in Portugal by storm, he also dominated teams such as Manchester City and Arsenal in the Champions League. However, the one obvious drawback will be the fact that he is unproven in one of Europe’s most competitive leagues. However, he did make his European breakthrough during his time with Coventry City, meaning that he is no stranger to the English game.
Which Option Makes The Most Appeal?
Despite being one of the most exciting young strikers in the world, the signing of Šeško could yet backfire due to his young age. At this stage in their process, Arsenal don’t need another player who is one for the future.
Instead, they need somebody who is going to come in and hit the ground running now. The time for planning for the future is over, Arsenal need success in 2025-26. Therefore, Gyökeres is the striker that Arsenal must sign.
CHAMPIONSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS pic.twitter.com/REtJmmgGp8
— (fã) Viktor Gyökeres 🇸🇪 (@gyokeresxtra) May 17, 2025
At 26, he is ready for the Premier League challenge, and his goals per game and selection of efforts during his time at Sporting Lisbon ensure that the Gunners will finally have the attacking outlet in the final third that they have been craving. However, it is a signing that the Gunners must move quickly to secure, as there are a growing number of suitors monitoring the Swede’s situation.
