Arsenal's title hopes are faltering as goal-scoring struggles persist. Could Victor Osimhen be the game-changing striker they desperately need to turn their season around and close the gap on Premier League leaders Liverpool?
Arsenal’s aspirations for the title have encountered a setback, as Mikel Arteta’s team has recently fallen to fourth place in the Premier League standings. This decline has left the Gunners trailing nine points behind league leaders Liverpool, casting doubt on their capacity to launch a genuine title challenge this season. Central to Arsenal’s downturn is an unexpected lack of goals; they have only scored one goal in their last three matches across all competitions. With Kai Havertz at the forefront with a modest total of four league goals, followed closely by Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli with three each, Arsenal’s attacking potency has noticeably diminished.
The recent goal shortage has reignited conversations regarding Arsenal's urgent requirement for a top striker, with Victor Osimhen being frequently mentioned as the perfect candidate. Currently on loan from Napoli to Galatasaray, Osimhen has been making waves in the Turkish Super Lig, scoring an impressive eight goals and providing three assists in just nine matches. Even though there were initial links to Arsenal during the summer, the 25-year-old forward decided on a move to Galatasaray, where he has quickly established himself. Former Arsenal defender William Gallas is one of many advocating for Osimhen's transfer to North London in the upcoming winter window, comparing him to the iconic Didier Drogba.
“If I had the chance to sign one player for Arsenal in January, it would be a world-class striker, but players of that caliber seldom change clubs in the middle of the season,” Gallas stated in a recent interview with Prime Casino. “Osimhen would be an ideal addition for Arsenal. He possesses a presence similar to that of Drogba. Even if he doesn’t score 20 goals, he is the type of striker who intimidates defenders, creates space, and enhances the play of others. Just think about Drogba at Chelsea; he attracted so much attention that players like Frank Lampard frequently outscored him.”
Osimhen possesses the qualities that Arsenal is currently missing. Gabriel Jesus has faced numerous injury issues and inconsistencies, which have hindered his ability to be the consistent threat that the team's forward line needs. Meanwhile, Havertz, despite his versatility, has not yet provided the reliable performance that Arsenal seeks week in and week out. The addition of Osimhen would introduce a dynamic and aggressive central attacking option, relieving some of the burden on Arsenal's wingers and midfielders, and opening up new pathways for scoring opportunities.
Nevertheless, Osimhen has made it clear that he plans to complete his loan period with Galatasaray, indicating his commitment to staying in Turkey until the season concludes. Arsenal supporters, on the other hand, will have to wait and see if Arteta is able to make a significant acquisition in January to bring in the much-needed additions to his team.
To keep Arsenal's title hopes alive, securing a player of Osimhen's quality could be essential. The upcoming transfer window may present the Gunners with one last chance to close the gap with Liverpool and reignite their ambitions at the pinnacle of English football.
