Arsenal's commanding position atop the Premier League has been achieved through relentless defensive solidity and sporadic bursts of attacking brilliance. Yet, a recent injury setback to star striker
Viktor Gyökeres has exposed a critical, long-standing vulnerability: the lack of a reliable, like-for-like backup number nine. In a decisive move signaling their intent to dominate both domestically and in Europe,
Mikel Arteta’s recruitment team is reportedly
“seriously considering” triggering the attractive
€50 million (£44 million) release clause of
Borussia Dortmund’s powerhouse striker,
Serhou Guirassy, as early as the upcoming
January transfer window. This blockbuster pursuit is not merely about cover; it is a strategic attempt to fortify the team with a proven, clinical goalscorer and accelerate a critical squad evolution that could see
Gabriel Jesus depart the Emirates.
The Guirassy Profile: Power, Pace, and Precision
At 29 years old and standing 6ft 2in, Serhou Guirassy offers the perfect blend of physical presence, aggression, and clinical efficiency that Arteta has meticulously introduced into his attacking framework via the summer signing of Gyökeres. The Guinean international has been devastatingly effective across European competitions, proving he belongs in the elite category of central strikers.
A Clinical Bundesliga Threat
Guirassy’s statistical output this season for Borussia Dortmund paints a clear picture of an elite forward operating at his peak:
- Goal Contribution: He has registered an impressive 11 goals and 4 assists across 21 appearances in all competitions this season.
- Bundesliga Efficiency: In the Bundesliga, he boasts an exceptional Goals Per 90 Minutes (P90) rate of 0.51 and ranks in the 95th percentile for Expected Goals (xG) P90 at 0.57. He is a consistent threat, with an average of 2.86 shots P90 and 6 goal contributions from just 10 league matches.
- Physical Dominance: Crucially, he ranks in the 84th percentile for Aerial Duels Won among all forwards, a dimension of play that Kai Havertz often attempts and Gabriel Jesus lacks, making him a perfect complement to the system designed around the towering presence of Gyökeres.
Guirassy’s signing would allow Arsenal to maintain their physical, high-pressing attack seamlessly, whether Gyökeres is resting, injured, or simply needs competition. Not every striker would accept a rotational role, but the lure of joining the Premier League leaders—and competing immediately for domestic and European silverware—makes the proposition highly attractive for a player seeking a final, defining chapter in his career.
The £44M Release Clause and the January Scramble
The most compelling aspect of this transfer saga is the striker’s contract situation. Guirassy's deal with Dortmund, which runs until 2028, includes a progressive, decreasing release clause. The current figure, set at €50 million (£44 million), is accessible only to a “select group of elite clubs” including Arsenal, Manchester United, and Paris Saint-Germain.
Arteta’s Urgent Need
While the clause was initially thought to be only valid next summer, reports suggest it may be activated as early as January, pushing the decision-making forward. For Arsenal, the urgency is defined by the following factors:
- Gyökeres's Knock: While the injury to Viktor Gyökeres is not long-term, it has exposed a "potential vulnerability" in the attack. The fact that players like Havertz and midfielder Mikel Merino have had to deputise immediately underscores the lack of a suitable backup.
- Title Intent: Arsenal has invested heavily to be title contenders. Relying on players like Jesus, who has struggled for fitness and form since his cruciate ligament tear in January, or Havertz, who prefers facing the goal rather than playing with his back to it, is a risk Arteta cannot afford with a six-point lead to protect.
- Competition: The explicit interest from Manchester United and PSG means waiting until the summer is fraught with the danger of losing the player entirely, forcing Arsenal to act decisively now.
The Looming Jesus Exit: A Tactical and Financial Decision
The pursuit of Guirassy is inextricably linked to the future of Gabriel Jesus. The Brazilian, who is just returning from a devastating, year-long anterior cruciate ligament injury, has seen his role—and tactical fit—at the club severely diminish since the arrival of Gyökeres.
An Irreversible Shift in Profile
Jesus, while possessing unique creative and pressing qualities, fundamentally "lacks the physical presence of Gyökeres or Guirassy" required for the new Arteta system, which relies on a muscular, aggressive central pivot to hold up the ball and link play with the wide attackers.
- Club Stance: Despite Jesus reiterating his "wish to stay here" until his contract expires in 2027, Arsenal is reportedly "open to allowing Jesus to leave" in the January transfer window, should a “sensible offer”—rumoured to be around £26 million—arrive. The plan is to get Jesus match-fit specifically to facilitate an exit, with clubs like Everton, West Ham, Flamengo, and Palmeiras all linked with a move.
- The Financial Void: Selling Jesus, who commands a high salary, would not only free up a wage slot but would also help offset the cost of Guirassy’s £44 million release clause, ensuring the club maintains a solid position relative to Financial Fair Play (FFP) guidelines.
The activation of Serhou Guirassy’s clause would mark the end of the line for Gabriel Jesus at Arsenal, confirming Arteta’s irreversible shift towards a more physical, dominant attacking profile, and signalling an all-in commitment to converting their promising start into a much-coveted Premier League trophy.
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