5 reasons Arsenal need more than just a striker following underwhelming season

Arsenal’s away at Old Trafford served as a timely view for the kind of work incoming sporting director Andrea Berta has ahead of him.

While high on Berta’s agenda is undoubtedly the acquisition of a top striker, it’s clear Arsenal’s issues in attack stretch far beyond simply filling the No. 9 role.

highlights 5 reasons Arsenal may need more than just a striker to even get back to the levels of challenging for the league title, considering it now looks inevitable Liverpool are on course to clinch this season’s title.

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1. The need to address the lack of creativity in the final third 

Arsenal’s struggle isn’t just about missed chances—it’s about creating them in the first place. Their territorial dominance often fails to translate into clear-cut opportunities, particularly against teams deploying deep, compact defensive setups. 

The Gunners need more inventive players capable of unlocking dense low blocks, not just a clinical finisher. 

Both and have struggled with inconsistency this season. Odegaard has tended to drop deeper and deeper during games, and his left footed bias has turned out to be his achilles heel.

Declan Rice did well to get the equalising goal, but he is not particularly the best midfielder at giving line-breaking passes, and his set piece deliveries against Manchester United were appalling.

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2. Over-reliance on wingers

 The return of and the imminent comeback ofwill boost Arsenal’s wide attacking options, but even they have struggled against packed defenses. 

Without a dynamic and creative midfield core feeding the front line, the burden on wide players becomes unsustainable.

Against Man United, the story was still the same, the ball was often passed to young Ethan Nwaneri to try and create something from nothing, but the game showed his inexperience, and why at 17, he still has a lot to learn.

Besides, his future may be further and further infield.

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3. A shift in Arsenal’s identity 

Gone are the days when Arsenal prided themselves on fielding multiple creative playmakers. 

Under Arsène Wenger, the team was brimming with technically gifted No. 10s

 In contrast, Mikel Arteta has focused on building a physically resilient squad, but perhaps the pendulum has swung too far. A creative spark in midfield is noticeably lacking.

4. Declining efficiency from set pieces 

Arsenal’s recent reliance on set pieces as a source of goals has waned. While Declan Rice’s stunning equalizer against was a highlight, the team cannot depend solely on these moments.

 A more imaginative approach in open play is required to diversify their attacking threats.

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5. The modern midfield puzzle 

Declan Rice was  Arsenal’s standout performer against Manchester United in the middle of the park , but could their midfield benefit from another central creator.

Balancing defensive solidity with attacking flair in midfield is a challenge that Arteta and Berta must address in the transfer market. Adding a player with the vision to break down rigid defenses is crucial.

In his final season at Arsenal, Granit Xhaka thrived in a more advanced No. 8 role

Freed from the deeper defensive responsibilities he previously held, Xhaka contributed significantly to Arsenal’s attacking play. 

He added goals and assists to his game, often arriving late in the box to finish off moves or create chances for teammates. His energy and box-to-box presence allowed him to support both the attack and defense effectively.

While Rice has done well in his own right, he has not exactly given the side what Xhaka gave him, which may harry up the need to add more articles.

As Arsenal looks to close the gap to Premier League leaders Liverpool, a comprehensive approach to solving their attacking woes is needed. 

Andrea Berta’s experience at Atletico Madrid, a club that mastered tactical adaptability, may prove vital in crafting a team that isn’t just resilient but also imaginative. The solution lies not solely in signing a striker but in reigniting the creative spirit that once defined Arsenal.