Arsenal legend Ray Parlour has urged his former side to bring a striker in the January window and solve a problem area.
The way reports have pushed the idea for Arsenal to sign a striker, one would assume the Gunners have struggled at the start of the campaign. In truth, the North Londoners have been excellent, and only their change of approach on the pitch makes them look less fluid in the attacking third.
After ten games on board, Arsenal have scored 23 goals, two more than Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur. They only trail Newcastle United and Aston Villa in that regard, as Mikel Arteta spreads the goals around his squad.
However, there are doubts about how Arsenal will cope without Gabriel Jesus, especially when some crucial games are coming up in the Premier League and Champions League. Arteta wants another title challenge this season. And so far, they have looked like contenders.
The summer signing of Kai Havertz has continued to divide opinion, mainly because Arteta has been using him in different roles. For instance, he has made a telling difference when playing in the central part. But when starting, the manager has preferred him in a midfield position.
Hence, many have called for the Gunners to sign a striker, and naturally, there have been a few high-profile links to some notable stars. For instance, Arsenal reportedly want Ivan Toney but would not pay over the odds, especially after Brentford set a new £100 million asking price.
There are others that interest the Gunners. But as things stand, Arsenal might prioritise a winger over Toney. Things could still change on that front, and now, club legend Ray Parlour has urged the team via his comments on TEAMtalk to solve the problematic area and bring in a new No.9.
Parlour said, “Where they are going to be lacking is the striker position. In teams I played in, we had four top strikers, so I think that is one area they need to improve. I know Jesus is out at the moment and Nketiah did brilliantly getting his hattrick at the weekend but there is not a lot of options up front.”
“I am sure Arteta, if there is someone available whether on loan or someone who is not playing on a regular basis who he knows can do a decent job, will be looking for options. When you are chasing a goal, you have got to change it up front, and they do not have that at the moment. That might be the place they will be looking at.”
Whether Arsenal are seriously considering bringing in a No.9 remains the question. However, they appear well stocked in that position, with at least three players there who can take up that central position. Despite Jesus injuring himself again, Nketiah showcased his class at the weekend with a hattrick against Sheffield United.
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Havertz could also shine in that position if given a concerted run by Arteta. However, midfield injuries may see the German international take up more central roles behind rather than leading the line for the Gunners. Arteta must now rotate between him and Nketiah to solve the striker issue until Jesus returns.