Arsenal were unable to get a deal for Julian Alvarez over the line during the summer transfer window, with the striker ultimately staying put at Atletico Madrid, which has left Kai Havertz as Mikel Arteta‘s first-choice centre-forward during the early stages of the campaign.
The German has maintained a respectable goal record thus far, finding the net three times in seven matches across all competitions, but he was unable to make a real impact on the game in the 3-0 defeat at the American Express Stadium on Saturday.
Brighton made a real statement of intent by securing an emphatic 3-0 victory against the Gunners, which leaves Arteta’s side three points adrift of Manchester City, following their entertaining 5-3 victory against Sunderland on Sunday.
Viktor Gyokeres was unable to help turn things around after replacing Martin Odegaard with just over 15 minutes to play either, and the Swedish striker is still searching for his first goal of the season, having only started two matches.
|
Match statistics |
Brighton |
Arsenal |
|
Shots |
17 |
11 |
|
Shots on target |
5 |
2 |
|
Final third entries |
62 |
51 |
|
xG |
1.31 |
1.63 |
|
Accurate passes |
260 |
433 |
With both Havertz and Gyokeres flattering to deceive at times this season, it is no surprise the Gunners remain keen on signing a new centre-forward, and they have now joined the race to sign an Alvarez alternative.
Arsenal eyeing move for Maximilian Beier
According to a report from TEAMtalk, Arsenal have now entered contention to sign Borussia Dortmund striker Maximilian Beier, as their scouts have been left by his performances over the past year.
A centre-forward by trade, Beier is also capable of playing out wide or in attacking midfield, which makes him an enticing option for Andrea Berta & co, and there is a belief he could excel in the Premier League.
The German, who has also been targeted by Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur, is said to be similar to Havertz in style, and he was lauded by Julian Nagelsmann in May, with the former Germany boss saying: “I like having players in the squad who can cover a lot of positions. Maxi edged ahead of Karim Adeyemi. He’s had a strong season.
“There are lots of situations where Maxi’s mentality really stands out. He’s always on the move, has extreme pace and plays with his foot on the gas. He has a good goalscoring record and represents a lot of the German mentality that we want to bring onto the pitch.”
The Borussia Dortmund star has picked up one assist in one Champions League appearance this season, and he has recorded 40 goal involvements in 97 matches for the German side since joining from Hoffenheim in 2024.
Just 23-years-old, Beier could be an exciting long-term addition to Arteta’s squad, and his performances for Dortmund suggest he is ready to take the next step in his career by signing for a top Premier League club.