‘They need…’ Gary Neville’s Arsenal assessment is a clear message to Andrea Berta on transfer issue that isn’t a striker

Add as preferred source on Google

Arsenal went into the trip to Manchester United in fine form after scoring seven goals away at PSV Eindhoven in midweek.

The Gunners were hopeful that would translate into finding the back of the net on a more regular basis, having gone two consecutive matches without scoring the Premier League matches before.

That scoring touch didn’t look like returning in the opening half at Old Trafford though, as the hosts held Arsenal with very few chances that followed.

For Mikel Arteta, there may well have been a sense of Deja Vu as his team dominated play against their rivals but without the chances to show for it.

Gary Neville’s assessment that followed shows where the issues lie, beyond the need for a centre-forward.

• READ MORE: David Ornstein reveals Andrea Berta transfer priorities at Arsenal with Alexander Isak and Benjamin Sekso claim

Gary Neville on Arsenal creativity issues

While many have been clamouring for a striker who can finish off chances, the issues may well surround creating those opportunities to begin with.

In the first half at Old Trafford, there were few chances that a different centre-forward could’ve helped finish off, even if they were signed.

For Gary Neville, it was summed up during the coverage on Sky Sports, when he outlined the need for something else in the creative ranks.

The former Manchester United man said: “When Arsenal get into the final third, they are looking for some creativity that they just haven’t got. They need something different – that edge.”

It’s a damning indictment of some of those more creative players, who struggled to open up the game at all.

• READ MORE: Forget Cristiano Ronaldo, Danny Welbeck says £32m Arsenal star was his favourite strike partner

Andrea Berta must solve Arsenal creativity problems

It’s clear that some of Arsenal’s creativity problems may well come from the injury troubles the side face over recent weeks.

While Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli could change things with a return from injury in the weeks ahead, the reality is that those issues persisted before them.

It’s no surprise that Arsenal have been linked with a possible move for a winger in the summer, one who can unlock the game.

That may well be something Andrea Berta is tasked with as the incoming sporting director in the weeks and months ahead.

Those options are often a bit pricier to come by, though it may well be something the side need to transform them yet again.