Arsenal target LaLiga star who will solve Arteta's biggest headache

Tom Weber

• 23 Feb 2024 07:59 CST
• 3 min read

Arsenal are interested in Artem Dovbyk, according to Spanish media.

The Ukrainian striker has been one of LaLiga's breakout stars this season. Prolific for high-flying Girona, the 26-year-old has been one of the biggest reasons behind the Catalans' success, which sees them in a surprising second in the standings.

Dovbyk has notched an impressive 14 goals and five assists in 23 league outings and this has made him an intriguing player to clubs looking for a prolific striker. Earlier this year, the Girona sharpshooter was linked with Chelsea, but those rumours were eventually played down by Fabrizio Romano.

Now, Spanish media is linking Dovbyk to the Blues' London rivals Arsenal, and a move would certainly make sense from the Gunners' point of view.

Dovbyk to Arsenal?

Like Chelsea, Arsenal are in the market for a striker. Indeed, the need for a new number nine was evident in the Gunners' shock loss to Porto in the Champions League round of 16 first leg.

With Gabriel Jesus out, Mikel Arteta opted to play midfielder/winger Leandro Trossard in the centre-forward position, while keeping Eddie Nketiah on the bench. The game not only illustrated that the latter's Arsenal career is very much over but also that the Gunners desperately need another striker.

Dovbyk would offer an enticing solution to that problem. The towering centre-forward - who is very mobile despite his size - seems tailor-made for Premier League football. Despite being under contract until 2028, he would likely be a cheaper option than some of the other top-class strikers the north London club have been linked with, such as Ivan Toney and Dusan Vlahovic.

However, in the event of a move, there would potentially be concerns about his ability to play at the highest level. This is Dovbyk's first season scoring consistently in a top-five league, meaning that it would be a gamble by Arsenal to pay big money for him.