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ARSENAL is confident they have landed their perfect striker poised to spearhead the attack for the foreseeable future.
Viktor Gyokeres is anticipated to debut at the Emirates Stadium before an audience of over 55,000 fans when the Gunners square off against Villarreal in their inaugural home friendly of the season on Wednesday night.
9
9
9
Arsene Wenger’s Invincibles, created over two decades ago, showcased legends like Thierry Henry and Dennis Bergkamp leading the forward line.
Since that era, Arsenal has been tirelessly searching for another consistent, reliable, and injury-free number 9; however, most acquisitions have disappointed rather than succeeded.
SunSport’s Charlie Wyett provides ratings out of ten for each player…
ROBIN VAN PERSIE
In 2004, riding high after a record-breaking season, Dutchman Van Persie was signed from Feyenoord for £2.75 million.
His scoring ratio was remarkable, but injuries hampered his progress. He later transferred to Manchester United, where he aided them in capturing titles. 8
NICKLAS BENDTNER
Prior to their final season at Highbury in 2005, Arsenal secured 17-year-old Bendtner, who spent nine years with the club.
While he showed potential, he never lived up to the lofty claims he often made.
In 2009, he switched his shirt number from 26 to 52 to signify his new contract worth £52,000 a week. 5
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EMMANUEL ADEBAYOR
The Togolese forward netted 12 goals during his first full season at the Emirates after joining from Monaco in 2006.
Adebayor had the potential for greater achievements but eventually departed for Manchester City and later Spurs, turning him into a villain for Gunners fans. 6
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EDUARDO
A promising striker whose true capabilities remain a mystery.
Eduardo joined from Dinamo Zagreb in 2007 and showed promise until a horrific leg injury from a tackle by Birmingham’s Martin Taylor derailed his career.
He struggled to find his form afterward. 6
MAROUANE CHAMAKH
9
The Moroccan attacker transferred from Bordeaux in 2010 but is mostly recognized for his hairstyles.
Valued by teammates for his style, he once arrived late for an away match in a white limo driven by a chauffeur. 4
PARK CHU-YOUNG
A complete disaster. The player was amid a medical with Lille in 2011 when he learned of Arsenal’s interest.
He landed in London just a day before Mikel Arteta and Per Mertesacker, but unlike them, he barely played.
Throughout three seasons, the South Korean made only one substitute appearance in the Premier League. 1
LUKAS PODOLSKI
9
One of the club’s most distinguished signings remains a favorite among fans — although Podolski never fully realized his potential.
Arriving from Cologne, he had a tumultuous relationship with manager Wenger and was loaned out to Inter Milan.
A stunning volley against Montpellier in the Champions League marks his highest point at Arsenal. 6
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OLIVIER GIROUD
Alongside Podolski, Giroud was acquired after guiding Montpellier to an astonishing Ligue 1 title.
With 105 goals over six seasons, the Frenchman made a considerable impact, yet he gained a reputation for underperforming in decisive matches. At Chelsea, he played a pivotal role in winning both the Champions League and Europa League. 6
YAYA SANOGO
9
A total flop.
The former Auxerre forward had a dismal four-year stint at Arsenal, starting merely two league matches. 1
DANNY WELBECK
Welbeck transferred from Manchester United while training with the England squad.
Unfortunately, his Arsenal career was marred by frequent knee and ankle injuries. 6
LUCAS PEREZ
9
Frequently cited as one of Arsenal’s worst high-profile signings, the Spaniard joined for a staggering £17 million from Deportivo La Coruna.
Although he scored a hat-trick in the Champions League at Basel, his chances were limited, and he only made two Premier League starts. 5
ALEXANDRE LACAZETTE
In Wenger’s last season, the board supported him with the acquisition of Lacazette for £52 million.
The Frenchman’s goal-per-game ratio was commendable, especially during a challenging time for the Gunners, yet he sometimes proved to be a source of annoyance. 7
PIERRE-EMERICK AUBAMEYANG
9
The Gabon striker is fondly remembered for his two goals in the FA Cup final against Chelsea in 2020.
However, at times, it seemed his enthusiasm was more directed towards his cars, leading to some frustration with Arteta. 8
GABRIEL JESUS
Arrived at Arsenal in 2022 for a notable £45 million from Manchester City — yet his goal tally has not met expectations.
He often finds himself on the bench and battling injuries. 6
KAI HAVERTZ
Another player signed from Chelsea, this time for £65 million.
The German has yet to make a considerable impact, but Gyokeres’ presence might be beneficial for him. 7
EDDIE NKETIAH
9
Expectations were high for the homegrown talent to excel up front.
Despite numerous chances, he was sold to Crystal Palace in 2024. 6
