At present, the Blues have no senior front men registered going into next season, with last season’s attackers’ loans and deals expiring.
Aiden O’Brien has been offered fresh terms, while Danny Cowley is hoping to bring George Hirst back after his successful loan spell last term.
Nevertheless, the Fratton chief is still searching for reinforcements to boost his side’s promotion credentials in 2022-23.
This is nothing new for the club’s head coaches, though, as predecessor Kenny Jackett often reinvented his striking department in bid to return to the second tier.
Ultimately, his pursuit proved fruitless as his picks often failed to live up to expectations.
But who all have been signed since 2017? And how have they fared since they departed Fratton Park?
Here’s what we found out
13. George Hirst – signed from Leicester (on loan)
The 23-year-old impressed over the second half of last season by netting 13 goals in all competitions. It's expected he will be with Leicester for pre-season but there is a desire from Danny Cowley and the player for a return to Fratton Park ahead of the 2022-23 campaign. The Blues may have to bide their time to get him, though, and they will most likely have to pay a greater percentage of his wages this time around. Picture: Paul Thompson Photo: Paul Thompson
14. Tyler Walker – signed from Coventry (on loan)
Pompey’s ‘number nine curse’ certainly impacted Walker as he struggled to make an impact following his January arrival. He scored only one goal for the Blues and often cut a frustrated figure at Fratton Park. He’s recently been linked with a move to League One new boys Bristol Rovers following his return to Coventry. Picture: Jason Brown Photo: Jason Brown
15. Gassan Ahadme – signed from Norwich (on loan)
Ahadme struggled to match the expectations his pre-season haul brought him going into 2021-22. He failed to score in five league appearances before his loan was prematurely ended in January to allow his permanent move to Burton. Under Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink he’s scored three goals in 14 League One appearances. Picture: Jason Brown Photo: Jason Brown
16. Aiden O'Brien - Signed from Sunderland
O'Brien became a fans' favourite following his January arrival from Sunderland on a shorter-term deal. The 28-year-old scored five goals in 17 appearances and has been offered a new contract at Pompey following the conclusion of his short-term deal. Picture: Jason Brown Photo: Jason Brown