Arsenal transfer briefing: SAMI MOKBEL reveals the latest on Alexander Isak pursuit and the reasons why Gunners did not sign a striker last summer
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The sight of Newcastle predator Alexander Isak wheeling away in celebration at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday night would have focused the mind at Arsenal. If it didn't then the penny may never drop. Mikel Arteta has built a marvellous squad, one that can more than hold its own against the finest in Europe, but it's missing something - a certain magic.
![[It seems that Mikel Arteta cannot unlock the full potential of this team without a natural scorer]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/08/18/93881793-14263997-image-a-65_1736362235429.jpg)
To complete what he has started, Arteta needs a prolific centre forward. It's more than the cherry on top - such talents are fundamental to successful teams. Arsenal have had their fair share of the years: Thierry Henry, Nicolas Anelka and Ian Wright, for example. Blackburn and Newcastle had Alan Shearer. Manchester City have had Sergio Aguero and Erling Haaland. Manchester United have had too many to mention.
![[Arsenal are second in the Premier League table and up against it in the Carabao Cup]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/08/18/93849109-14263997-image-a-63_1736362226547.jpg)
So it begs the question: can Arteta really unlock his team's full potential without a recognised out-and-out goalscorer? The consensus right now suggests the answer to that question is no. The groans at full-time whistle following Tuesday's loss to Eddie Howe's indicative of those frustrations.
![[The Gunners were ready to move for Benjamin Sesko, though he wanted guaranteed minutes]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/08/18/93881815-14263997-image-a-66_1736362319133.jpg)
It's important to make clear that Arsenal were in the market for a new forward last summer. They extensively explored all viable options. Arsenal were in the market for a centre forward last summer and considered Alexander Isak. It seems that Mikel Arteta cannot unlock the full potential of this team without a natural scorer.
![[Kai Havertz went into the season as the side's first-choice No 9 and has scored 12 this season]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/08/19/93884119-14263997-image-m-13_1736365604847.jpg)
Arsenal are second in the Premier League table and up against it in the Carabao Cup. For instance, recruitment staff had identified Benjamin Sesko from Red Bull Leipzig. The Slovenia international certainly fit the profile. At 21, his ceiling is high. Recruitment staff believed his fluid movement and physical attributes would fit in well to Arteta's dynamic and interchangeable forward line.
![[Isak remains Arsenal's dream ticket, though they opted to strengthen elsewhere in the summer]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/08/18/93881825-14263997-image-a-68_1736362323767.jpg)
