Ethan Nwaneri comment from Mikel Arteta hints at transfer decision that Arsenal fans will hate

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Pressure is currently growing on Arsenal to invest in a new striker signing as soon as possible.

The Gunners looked toothless in attack as they were held to a 0-0 draw be Everton on Saturday, in a result which further damaged their Premier League title hopes. 

Kai Havertz led the line for Arsenal against the Toffees, but was an ineffective presence at the top of the pitch. Meanwhile, Mikel Arteta must now give up on Gabriel Jesus, as the Brazilian striker has not netted for the North London club in the Premier League since January. 

Arsenal have been told that they need a new striker, and bringing such a forward to the Emirates Stadium ought to be the manager’s top priority heading into the upcoming January transfer window. 

However, the Spanish coach has now indicated that Ethan Nwaneri could provide an internal solution to this problem.

• READ MORE: Every Arsenal academy player to make their senior debuts under Mikel Arteta

Mikel Arteta suggests Ethan Nwaneri as a future striker

Speaking to the press about Nwaneri ahead of Arsenal’s EFL Cup clash against Crystal Palace, Arteta discussed his potential as a striker.

The Spanish coach said: “It depends on who they’re surrounded with and what positions they can play. He can play as a right attacking midfielder, left attacking midfielder and a winger. I also think he can develop as a nine.”

The Hale End academy wonderkid certainly has an eye for goal. Nwaneri became Arsenal’s youngest Premier League scorer since Cesc Fabregas with his recent finish against Nottingham Forest, but is an untested proposition as a striker at the highest level.

Will Arsenal sign a striker in the January transfer window?

Arteta’s comments may raise concerns that Arsenal are not planning to enter the market for a striker.

Supporters of the North London club will be desperately hoping that this isn’t that case, as Arteta’s squad is in dire need of a proven, reliable goalscorer who can shoulder the burden of firing the club to a title. The 17-year-old is not ready for such a responsibility.

Whilst Nwaneri may have a future up front, for now he is best served by operating as Martin Odegaard’s understudy in an attacking midfield role, and Arteta will eventually have to work out a way of fitting that pair into the same starting XI.

Meanwhile, the Gunners ought to be preparing to push the boat out for the kind of elite level forward they need this winter. Viktor Gyokeres would be the perfect signing for Arsenal, for instance.