Arsenal are struggling to score goals in the Premier League, and are subsequently being linked with a number of strikers ahead of the January transfer window.
The Gunners have netted just once in their last three league matches, and are generally finding it difficult to breach compact defences.
Manchester United held Arsenal to a 1-1 draw at Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon, with Mikel Arteta’s team having to rely on a Declan Rice screamer to ensure they didn’t go home empty handed.
This performance against the Red Devils has already sparked discourse about which striker Arsenal should target in the summer, with the likes of Alexander Isak, Benjamin Sesko and Matheus Cunha all being touted as potential options.
Wayne Rooney thinks Arsenal should consider signing Jean-Philippe Mateta
Alexander Isak is reportedly Arteta’s dream signing, although the Newcastle man may prove to be too expensive for the Gunners.
They may instead be forced to look further afield, and former Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney has offered a surprising suggestion.
Speaking on Match of the Day 2, the legendary England forward claimed that Jean-Philippe Mateta could make a significant difference for Arsenal.
“Mateta is a big, strong lad who scores a lot of goals,” he said.
“From watching Arsenal over the past few games in the Premier League, they have put a lot of balls into the box without having anyone to get on the end of them.
“I am sure he would help from that point of view.”
Mateta scored 19 goals for Palace across all competitions last season, and has been enjoying a similarly prolific campaign this time around, netting 15 for the Eagles.
Turning 28 in June, the Frenchman certainly isn’t the most appealing option on the market to Arsenal from an age profile perspective, although he has a proven track record of scoring regularly in the English top flight and would likely be available for a relatively modest fee.
Wayne Rooney on Arsenal transfer target Alexander Isak
While Rooney did suggest that Arsenal consider a move for Mateta, he also waxed lyrical about Isak and the impact he could make at the Emirates.
“Isak would fit into any team,” the former Plymouth Argyle boss said.
“He has been fantastic over the past couple of years and scored a lot of goals. His link-up play and movement is brilliant too.
“You look at any team in the Premier League, and whether it is United and Arsenal or Liverpool then he would improve them, but I also think it will be very difficult to get him out of Newcastle. Why would they sell him?”
Arsenal are expected to hire Andrea Berta as their new sporting director this month, and the Italian’s first task in the summer will be overseeing the recruitment of a striker.
Berta has signed several top quality forwards in his career, thus giving the Gunners hope that he’ll be able to negotiate a deal for Mateta.
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