Arsenal headed into the international break on a three-game winless run, having scored just once over that period and lost ground in the title race.
Sunday’s draw with Chelsea means the Gunners already sit nine points behind Premier League leaders Liverpool after just 11 matches. It has been more than a month since Arsenal last won in the league, some five fixtures ago.
Recording just two points out of a possible 12 in the four games since has derailed Arsenal’s league momentum and the exit of sporting director Edu just rubs salt in the wounds. His unexpected departure comes as a big blow for the club and for Mikel Arteta.
Many cornerstones of the team that staged a charge for the title over the past two seasons were brought in under the Brazilian’s watch, with the likes of Martin Odegaard, Gabriel Magalhaes and Declan Rice all credited to Edu.
However, many question his decision, or inability, to land a suitable number nine this summer. Arsenal dealt out several thrashings last season and Kai Havertz’s start to the new campaign led to theories that maybe Arteta didn’t need a new goal-getter after all.
However, the absence of a natural centre-forward has perhaps cost Arsenal during their sour patch. They played most of the game against Bournemouth with 10 men after William Saliba’s red card but struggled to muster much in the final third, with just one shot on target in the 2-0 defeat.
The 1-0 victory over Shakhtar Donetsk, which contained five shots on target, and the 2-2 draw with Liverpool seemed to stabilise the team, as did the 3-0 win over Preston North End. But goal potency has since diminished once more.
Just one shot on goal in the 1-0 defeat to Newcastle United, failure to score again versus Inter Milan and just one goal netted in the draw with Chelsea points to a problem that could have been solved over the summer.
Arsenal were linked with several attackers, most commonly Ivan Toney but also Dominic Solanke. Neither were acquired and Arteta’s only attacking signing was a deadline day loan of Raheem Sterling.
One long-time interest has been Alexander Isak, who scored the winner against the Gunners earlier this month. Newcastle have played hardball regarding a transfer approach and have insisted they are confident of keeping the Swede, who is contracted until 2028.
However, a new transfer claim suggests all is not so straightforward. A number of hurdles have apparently been hit during negotiations over a new deal. It si suggested that Isak might be sold next summer to help the club stay within Financial Fair Play limits.
If true, then Arteta has the chance to complete Edu’s transfer mission next summer and fix a hole that is costing Arsenal right now. Isak is sure to have competition for his signature and so, even if the title becomes out of sight, a positive Premier League finish is important.
The player’s camp is reportedly taken aback by Newcastle’s stance of being willing to sell next summer and they will not dawdle given the interest in their client.
Champions League clubs will be lining up for the 25-year-old but only a few can offer him guaranteed starting minutes and perhaps Arsenal lead the way in that.
