Arsenal are riding a wave of positive form, but manager Mikel Arteta is not resting on his laurels. The North London club are now seriously considering a January move for Borussia Dortmund striker Serhou Guirassy to address a lack of depth in their attacking line.
Addressing the Striker Shortage
The immediate catalyst for this potential transfer is an injury to first-choice striker Viktor Gyokeres. While the Swedish international's goal ratio has been respectable, his current absence has exposed a lack of reliable cover. Arteta remained coy about a return date ahead of the recent North London derby against Tottenham.
With Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus also working their way back to full fitness, midfielder Mikel Merino has once again been forced to fill in up front. This situation has reportedly led the Arsenal hierarchy to consider allowing Gabriel Jesus to leave the Emirates as early as the upcoming winter transfer window.
Serhou Guirassy: The Profile and the Price
According to reports from Fichajes, the man identified to solve this problem is Guinean striker Serhou Guirassy. The 29-year-old Borussia Dortmund target man fits the profile Arteta is seeking – a centre-forward capable of providing the power and aggression that Gyokeres has brought to the attack.
Guirassy is a proven operator, with an impressive record of 11 goals and four assists in 21 appearances this season. Standing at 6ft 2in tall, he offers a significant physical presence. Crucially, his contract contains an attractive release clause, believed to be set at around €50 million, which translates to approximately £44 million. This clause is reportedly available to a select group of major clubs, with Arsenal among them.
Is Guirassy the Missing Piece for Arsenal?
While Arsenal's defence remains the strongest in the Premier League, even without the injured Gabriel, the team has sometimes struggled when goals dry up or key creative players like Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard are absent. The summer acquisitions have added resilience, but the one area where Arteta lacks a reliable backup is the out-and-out number nine position.
Gabriel Jesus, while talented, no longer possesses the physicality of Gyokeres or Guirassy. Kai Havertz often looks more comfortable facing the play rather than acting as a traditional target man. Signing a striker of Guirassy's calibre, who can step in and score goals during rotations or injuries, could be the final piece of the puzzle for a club competing for the Premier League and Champions League.
Not every top-tier striker would be content with a secondary role, but Arsenal's current status as England's leading club provides a powerful lure. A move for Guirassy represents a clear statement of intent as the Gunners look to maintain their position at the summit of English football.
