"Arsenal don’t just need a striker" - Emmanuel Petit claims Gunners needed to sign 'at least three or four more players last summer'
Former Arsenal star Emmanuel Petit believes the Gunners need improvements in multiple positions during the January transfer window. The pundit's remarks came after several claims suggesting the north Londoners will need a new number nine to push Liverpool for the Premier League title.
At the moment, Mikel Arteta has the option of playing either non-traditional centre-forwards Kai Havertz or Gabriel Jesus in the striker's position. Petit believes that the problems at the Emirates are more than the one that arises in the number nine role, and he told DisCasino (via @afcstuff on X):
"Arsenal don’t just need a striker. I think they needed at least three or four more players last summer. They need a left-winger, a striker & an attacking midfielder. This January market is tough, though. It will be very hard to find good opportunities to sign good players for a reasonable price."
The Frenchman claims that Mikel Arteta needs to bring in a new left winger as well. He may not be wrong, with neither Gabriel Martinelli nor Leandro Trossard having nailed down their position down this flank.
Due to the need for improvement in this area, the Gunners have continued to be linked with Athletic Bilbao's Nico Williams. Additionally, Petit thinks that the north London side need another attacking midfielder.
He could be suggesting adding depth to this department, given Martin Odegaard carries much of the creative burden. In their captain's absence, Arsenal have little to no options to turn to.
Ian Wright suggests January transfer move for new striker after Arsenal's Carabao Cup defeat to Newcastle
Ian Wright seems to be the latest pundit to urge Arsenal to make a new signing up top. He shared his thoughts after the Gunners were beaten 2-0 by Newcastle United in the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final on Tuesday (January 7).
Mikel Arteta's men took 23 shots on the night but lacked the ability to finish effectively. Seemingly hinting at the fact that a new striker is needed, Wright told ITV after the match (via Independent):
“He [Arteta] needs help. I know it’s very difficult in this January window, but he needs something else because if it’s going to carry on like this, it’s going to be very difficult to score."
While there are questions over Kai Havertz, the Germany international has been in decent goalscoring form this season. In 26 appearances across competitions, the former Chelsea man has netted 12 goals and bagged three assists.
