Arsenal produced a wasteful performance at home against Manchester United in the FA Cup on Sunday afternoon.
The Gunners spurned several clear-cut chances in the clash, mustering up 26 shots against Ruben Amorim’s men.
Kai Havertz received scathing reviews from Arsenal fans for his performance, with the German missing two guilt-edged opportunities and a penalty in the shootout, in what was a disastrous outing.
This has subsequently sparked more calls for Mikel Arteta to dip into the transfer market and acquire a number nine this month, and links are now starting to hot up.
Arsenal have reportedly made contact with Marcus Rashford, while the likes of Matheus Cunha and Alexander Isak continue to be mooted as potential options that the North London club are exploring.
Micah Richards makes bold Arsenal striker claim
It’s become evident in recent weeks that without Bukayo Saka, Arsenal struggle to score enough goals.
Gabriel Jesus sustained a serious injury against United on Sunday, which could exacerbate the Gunners’ issues up front.
However, former player and now pundit Micah Richards has made the bold claim that Arteta’s team don’t necessarily need a striker to win the Premier League.
Speaking on the Rest is Football podcast, he said: “You can win the league without a striker. Man City have proven that.
“But you need your wide players to chip in with more goals. The fact that you’re so reliant on Saka, or Havertz not having an off day. Midfielders as well, can chip in.
“That’s the whole point with the system they play, having movement and playing free in midfield so that they can make those late-man runs into the box.
“But they’re just not doing that you know? Then, it comes more apparent that the person in that forward area, in that number nine position, if they’re not going to chip in with goals, it becomes more obvious.”
Arsenal have gone close to lifting the league title in the last two seasons without a single player eclipsing 16 goals, so Richards’ point certainly has some validity to it.
Arteta’s outfit have also broken their goal-scoring record in the league in each of the last two campaigns, although without Saka, it doesn’t look likely that they’ll manage this a third time around.
- READ MORE: Mikel Arteta simply must not sign £50m Premier League star for Arsenal, it will be a massive mistake
A winger signing could be just as impactful for Arsenal
Richards’ claim certainly stands true – Arsenal don’t necessarily need a striker, but they definitely need additional firepower in some capacity in their attacking cohort.
Adding another player who can contribute to the spread of goals and replace some of the output lost without Saka could be equally as impactful as a prolific striker signing.
A dynamic winger who can operate on both sides would drastically improve the Gunners.
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia is available on the market, and the Georgian would certainly represent a smart acquisition.
The Napoli man scored 14 goals and registered 14 assists in the Italian side’s title-winning season in 2022/23, demonstrating his ability to constantly produce in the final third.
Meanwhile, Nico Williams remains an option for Arsenal, although the Spaniard has struggled since the Euros, scoring just one La Liga goal for Athletic Club this term.
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