Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has revealed the club are working on a new striker signing this month after being quizzed about their plans by Rio Ferdinand.
The Gunners are desperately lacking attacking options after losing Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Jesus and Ethan Nwaneri to injury in recent weeks – and a new addition is crucial if the team are to keep pace with league leaders Liverpool.
Arsenal were lacking an out-and-out No 9 even before their injury woes piled up, with Kai Havertz carrying the goal-scoring burden for the team this season. Newcastle’s Alexander Isak and Red Bull Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko are among the players who have been linked with joining.
Luckily Arsenal stepped up in attack against Tottenham on Wednesday night as Leandro Trossard scored to inspire a 2-1 win in the North London Derby, but Arteta will know he still needs more depth up front.
TNT Sports pundit Ferdinand had speculated about Arsenal needing a striker earlier in the show and later put the question to Arteta himself.
The Spaniard replied: “Yes, for sure. Because we lost two players, big players, Bukayo [Saka], who can be out for up to three months, that’s a long time, and Gabby, who is going to be out for a long, long, long time.”
When asked if Arsenal would attempt to secure a new striker before the end of January, he added: “We are going to try for sure. We are actively looking at [a new forward]. I think we have lost two very, very important players, we have 14 players in the squad, and we play every three days. We will try but let’s see who we can get.”
Arsenal moved to within four points of Liverpool at the top of the table to spice up the title race – and there’s no doubt former Manchester United star Ferdinand was eager for the Gunners to sign a new forward to stop his old rivals from winning the league.
TNT Sports pundits had heavily discussed Arsenal’s problems up front during the coverage, with Ferdinand telling the club to go for ex-Real Madrid superstar Benzema, who currently plays in the Saudi Pro League with Al-Ittihad.
“I’d go and get (Karim) Benzema,’ Ferdinand said. “I’d say give me a six-month loan, Benzema. Have that! Arsenal fans, where you at?!’
Ally McCoist, meanwhile, pitched Galatasaray’s Victor Osimhen. He said: “[Osimhen] has still been scoring goals in Turkey. His form is not what it was 18 months ago with Napoli, but I think he can get there again.”
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