Arsenal to move for 'the next Nicolas Anelka' to solve striking woes: report

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Arsenal want a superstar French forward compared to Nicolas Anelka to give a new edge in attack

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta during a training session at London Colney on November 23, 2023 in St Albans, England.
(Image credit: Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

Arsenal could be about to bring ‘the next Nicolas Anelka’ to the Emirates Stadium in a bid to secure their next big No.9.

The Gunners have been criticised for much of the season by pundits for their lack of threat in attack, with the likes of Gabriel Jesus, Eddie Nketiah, Kai Havertz and Leandro Trossard tasked with leading the line. In recent weeks, Havertz and Trossard have been paired as dual false nines, working to devastating effect in the Premier League.

Last night, however, Mikel Arteta watched as his side failed to muster a shot on target against Porto, with Arsenal slipping a goal behind in the Champions League last-16 tie ahead of the home leg – with some questioning if the lack of a natural forward is hindering the side in the biggest moments. 

A general view as players of Arsenal look dejected as they acknowledge the fans after defeat to FC Porto during the UEFA Champions League 2023/24 round of 16 first leg match between FC Porto and Arsenal FC at Estadio do Dragao on February 21, 2024 in Porto, Portugal.

Arsenal lost to Porto without managing a shot on target  (Image credit: David Ramos/Getty Images)

According to Bild, Arsenal want to bring Bayern Munich forward Mathys Tel to north London – and will battle Manchester United for his signature. 

FourFourTwo included the 18-year-old as one of the most exciting teenagers in Europe this season, calling the forward a “Nicolas Anelka regen” and remarking, “Tel is elegant and pacy, as plenty of French forwards have been over the years. He's almost a throwback in that sense, someone who drifts between left and centre to hold the ball up or run in behind.”

Tel himself has even commented on the similarities between himself and the former striker – who spent two years at Arsenal before a blockbuster move to Real Madrid – claiming his choice of the No.39 shirt was partly, “because Nicolas Anelka wore it,” adding, “He was a really good player.”

Mathys Tel of Bayern Munich celebrates after scoring their sides fourth goal during the UEFA Champions League match between FC Bayern München and Manchester United at Allianz Arena on September 20, 2023 in Munich, Germany.

Mathys Tel is wanted by Arsenal (Image credit: Matthias Hangst/Getty Images)

With Harry Kane currently the first-choice centre-forward at the Allianz Arena, Tel could be available this summer in his quest for more game time at the top level.

The former Rennes starlet is worth €50m, according to Transfermarkt. 

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Mark White
Mark White
Content Editor

Mark White is the Digital Content Editor at FourFourTwo. During his time on the brand, Mark has written three cover features on Mikel Arteta, Martin Odegaard and the Invincibles, and has written pieces on subjects ranging from Sir Bobby Robson’s time at Barcelona to the career of Robinho. An encyclopedia of football trivia and collector of shirts, he first joined the team back in 2020 as a staff writer.