Thread by @adamvoge

Arsenal are facing change at striker, with their two main options on the wrong side of 30 and (pretty likely) leaving for free. Now's a great time to scan the market for replacement. So who should the club be watching? I'm tracking 50 strikers; here are some highlights (1/x)

First, a disclaimer: This analysis is built on the data available to me. I try to learn about these players and their clubs, but don't know everything. Also: just because they don't or haven't done something, doesn't mean they can't! The eye test is important, too.

What follows is built on a 17-point grading scale. I think one limitation is it may be somewhat punitive to one-trick ponies, and I'll try to point that out where it happens. I'll also come back to this thread a few times this season and give updates!

Also! Please note that I've charted all these players against Auba's 19-20 season rather than last year. This is not to make Auba look better, but rather to show what a really top striker season looks like on my radar. Moving on:

Let's start with a common Arsenal link. Dusan Vlahovic (21) scored 21 league goals. But on my scale he was low. Why? His G/90 dropped without his 6 PKs, his conversion rate around average. His passing was nonexistent. For his size, he was not impressive in the air, either.

Next, DCL. The 24-y.o. scored a lot, with good finishing numbers. One of the strongest I found in the air. I'd love to see him get better with the ball at his feet. Please note he's one of the few in the Prem on this list, so boost him for that. But also boost his price.

This is an Amine Gouiri (21) fan page, so I have to mention him. One of the most creative options I've seen, in a false 9 mold. Last year he played a lot off the wing as well as CF. This year Galtier has used him primarily in a two-striker system. So far, so good: 3 games, 3 G.

A little higher on the list: Sevilla's Youssef En-Nesyri (24). Like DCL, punished for being less effective as a passer and dribbler. Strong in the air, good finishing. Fewer turnovers than DCL, which boosted his standing a bit. We'll see if Arsenal's rumored interest is real.

Next: Patrik Schick (25), the halfway line goal guy! I was pleasantly surprised by his dribbling numbers, a skill Arsenal could use. Other than that, his numbers were good-not-great in a number of areas. Only 9 goals last year, but 2 in 3 already this year. Good start.

I was pretty surprised Lautaro (24) wasn't higher. I included him because of this summer's saga. High-volume scorer, good creator and presser. Interested to see how his passing looks without Big Rom this year. But will he even be an option after signing his extension?

One the data liked: Alexander Sorloth (25), the big Norwegian who just tore up Gibraltar with MØ and Haaland. He split time at RBL with Poulsen last year, then they signed Andre Silva and loaned him to Sociedad where he'll back up...Isak. Will he get enough minutes to impress?

Another somewhat random one: Rennes' Serhou Guirassy (25). If he was younger I'd be all over him. He wins duels, dribbles well, passes at an above-average clip. Rennes have used him in 442, 433 and 4231, more in the latter this year so far. Missed 10 games with an ankle last yr.

Next: Sasa Kalajdzic (24). Stuttgart's giant (200 cm) has earned Crouch comparisons, for obvious reasons. Very strong in the air, scored 16 in the Bundesliga last year. Messed up his shoulder early this yr, so he'll be out for months. Also: His graph looks like a squid.

Rafael Leao (22) is an interesting one. Is he an inside forward, or can he play CF? He did some of each for Milan last year, but Zlatan and Giroud will eat up all the CF minutes this year. Leao's passing and dribbling numbers are good. He needs to score more! 6G last year.

Maybe I shouldn't include Gabriel Jesus (24). But will he stay at City if they make a big striker move? If he wants out, and Arteta stays, it could make sense. Dribbling, passing, everything you want from a false 9. Does being at City inflate his stats? Would a F9 work for AFC?

A fun one: Lille's Jonathan David (21). The Canadian international has great scoring and finishing numbers (13G last year). Extremely weak in the air, and the dribbling needs work, as does ball security. But a solid passer and finisher. I'll be watching him closely.

Many will be glad to see Alexander Isak (22) so high. Is a MØ reunion in the stars? His passing numbers are in the mud, he needs work in the air, and he missed a lot of big chances last year. But he's a good finisher and his dribbling is solid. Is he too lean for the Prem?

More of a special mention due to limited time: Giacomo Raspadori (21). Didn't play a ton at Sassuolo last yr, but wow. Italian international, just scored for them this week. But he's TINY! (5'7"). Sassuolo used him at CF last year, but also at AM. More of an AM so far this year.

And here's who topped my (very basic) ranking: Victor Osimhen (22), of Napoli. The chart isn't the most satisfying, but Osimhen scored a lot last year (10 G in about a half-season of minutes). Missed time with a shoulder and COVID. I like his ability to run in behind and link up.

Those are the highlights of my watch list based on last year. There are more! I'll be watching and adjusting accordingly all year.

But that's not all! Here are guys who spent last year outside the big five, ranked a little differently due to lack of stats. My favorites:

Actually, let's start at the bottom. Darwin Nunez (22) came in lower due to a number of things: lower goals/90, being too insecure on the ball, missing chances. A big obstacle for the striker, who does pop occasionally on film, will be Benfica's surplus of good strikers.

Speaking of that striker surplus...Roman Yaremchuk (25) just did this at Gent and then joined Benfica. His numbers as a passer, finisher and dribbler are all impressive. Portugal should present him more of a challenge, let's see how he responds.

Fedor Chalov (23) was once linked to Arsenal as a long-term striker replacement. His chart is interesting! He has issues controlling the ball and winning his aerial duels, though. He's used to the 4-2-3-1, but I'd really like to see more dominance given he's at CSKA.

I can move Donyell Malen (22) to the big 5 section this year! Did you know he used to play for Arsenal? Now at BVB. His PSV stats have always been eye-catching, let's see how he plays in the Bundesliga, and of course it's a huge question whether Arsenal would stand any chance.

Another one the data likes, but scouts mostly don't: Jordan Larsson (24), from Spartak Moscow. Russia is a weaker league, but Henrik Larsson's kid was great last year (20 G+A). He was linked to West Ham this summer, but a Spartak legend called him "below average." That's that.

And here's who topped my list outside the big five: Ivan Toney (25). Goal output, dribbling, lack of missed chances. He wins on the ground and in the air. Maybe not the sexiest passer in the world, but full of promise. Arsenal have a great chance to see how he adjust to the EPL.