‘Not panicking yet’ – Arsenal legend tells fans when they should worry as striker search goes quiet

Arsenal have to bring in a new striker within the next month – or it’ll be panic amongst the fanbase.

That’s the view of Gunners legend Perry Groves, who has insisted he is remaining calm over the club’s pursuit of a new centre-forward… for now.

Mikel Arteta‘s side have been crying out for a proven number nine in the last three seasons, which has seen Arsenal finish in second spot on each occasion.

No player for Arsenal in the recent campaign managed to hit double digits in the top-flight, with the north Londoners scoring 17 goals less than champions Liverpool.

talkSPORT understands that a striker is Arteta’s top priority this summer, with Sporting Lisbon marksman Viktor Gyokeres and RB Leipzig starlet Benjamin Sesko identified as Arsenal’s two top targets.

It is believed that Sweden international Gyokeres has told his friends and family that he expects to make the move to the Emirates this summer following another stunning season.

The 2024/25 season saw the 27-year-old bang in 54 goals in 52 games in all competitions – bringing his Sporting tally to 97 strikes from 102 outings across two terms in Portugal.

Meanwhile the Gunners also appear to have free rein in securing the services of long-term target Sesko, with the 22-year-old regarded as a future world beater.

Despite talks taking place behind the scenes for both men, Arsenal are yet to come to an agreement with either Sporting or Leipzig – much to the frustration of Gooners.

And while Groves is not stressing about the situation, he has insisted he wants to see a striker through the door before August rolls around.

Speaking on the Sports Breakfast show about the striker search, Groves said: “I’m not overly concerned at the minute.

“I think they report back for pre-season training next Monday. The first game isn’t until 22 days against AC Milan [July 23] in Singapore, so we’ve got a little bit of time.

“If it starts getting into the first week or two weeks of pre-season, then you might get a little bit concerned.

“Because ideally you want all your players reporting for that first day on pre-season, when have your new signings that all probably stand together and they’re a little bit nervous.

“They’re running and they’re going to get all their stats down to see what their fitness is. But I’m not panicking at the minute.”

It remains to be seen who Arsenal will push for out of Gyokeres and Sesko, with fans split down the middle over their ideal preference.

Gyokeres is seen as a player who is more likely to hit the ground running due to being older than Sesko, while also being one of Europe’s deadliest finishers in the last two years.

Meanwhile Slovenian star Sesko is seen as someone who boasts a potentially higher ceiling, with his athleticism and ball-striking abilities something to behold.

Having his say on who he’d prefer, Groves, who won two league titles at Highbury, believes Gyokeres’ experience gives him the edge over Sesko.

He remarked: “100 per cent, it would be Viktor Gyokeres, because he’s 27, he’s five years further down the line in knowing his trade.

“And at 22, you’re still learning, you’re raw, Gyokeres has proved he can play score goals in the Championship for Coventry, who a decent side, but not one of the top teams.

“He’s got over to Sporting, he’s got 97 in 102, and if you look at him as well, in the Champions League, his record is very good. He’s 11 in 17.

“So, every level that he’s played at, he’s proven that he can score goals, with Sesko, as I said, a little bit rawer.

“And I don’t think, well I know, that Arsenal haven’t got time to develop players with potential, they need to have players that go straight in, know their trade.”

It’s set to be a busy summer at the Emirates as Arsenal prepare to announce the arrival of midfielder Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad.

Confirmation is also expected soon of goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga from Chelsea in a £5million transfer.

The club have also agreed a deal to sign Brentford skipper Christian Norgaard, while talks are taking place with Valencia over centre-back Cristhian Mosquera.

A striker isn’t the only area Arsenal are looking to strengthen in attack, with Real Madrid’s Rodrygo their dream winger target.

Meanwhile Crystal Palace’s versatile star Eberechi Eze is also on Arsenal’s radar having held talks with the England international’s camp.

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