Did Arsenal Miss Out on Their Next Star Striker?

Arsenal's failure to secure the services of Bournemouth striker Evanilson has sparked a heated debate among football pundits and fans alike, particularly after the Brazilian's impressive performance against the Gunners on Saturday. The 25-year-old, who joined Bournemouth from Porto for a staggering £40 million, has emerged as a key player this season, not only finding the net but also making a significant impact on his team's performance.

In this gripping match, Evanilson's goal contributed to Bournemouth's thrilling 2-1 victory at the Emirates Stadium, completing a league double over Arsenal and sending shockwaves through their title aspirations. Struggling with injuries to key forwards Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus, Arsenal had opted against signing a replacement in January, a decision that has led to questions about their strategy.

Former Chelsea and Liverpool midfielder Joe Cole was particularly vocal about this decision, suggesting that Arsenal "missed a trick" by not pursuing Evanilson earlier. On The Dressing Room Podcast, Cole asserted, "If you put him in the Arsenal team, I think he’s competing for the Golden Boot. I just think they’ve missed a trick with this kid. I think his movement is fantastic." This sentiment was echoed by former West Ham striker Carlton Cole, who praised Evanilson’s keen football intelligence and traditional centre-forward qualities.

Throughout this season, Evanilson has demonstrated his ability to score crucial goals despite an early injury setback, netting 12 times across all competitions. His performance against Arsenal raises the question of how he would have transformed their attack, particularly during a period characterised by makeshift strikers and tactical adjustments.

Arsenal had been linked with several strikers ahead of the summer transfer window, but as speculation mounts towards potential summer signings, they now find themselves at a crossroads. Reports suggest that they may reignite their interest in Viktor Gyokeres of Sporting Lisbon, a move that could reshape their attacking options significantly.

As Arsenal fans continue to digest the implications of the missed opportunity with Evanilson, it’s clear that a robust evaluation of their recruitment strategy is imperative. The club's decision to pass on a promising talent could haunt them if the striker continues to thrive in his ongoing career, particularly if Bournemouth reaps the rewards of his signing.

In conclusion, the incident has triggered a vital conversation regarding club strategy and foresight in the transfer market. Arsenal's ambitions of returning to the summit of English football may well rest on the correct identification and acquisition of such talents. Will the Gunners be able to learn from this oversight and make the right moves in the upcoming transfer window? Fans are eagerly awaiting the summer as they hope for decisive action from the club's management.

• Arsenal
• Bournemouth
• Evanilson