Former Arsenal winger Adrian Clarke has now claimed that Mikel Arteta needs to add one key ingredient to his squad this summer.
Arsenal still have business to do before the summer transfer window closes.
The Gunners have already signed Riccardo Calafiori, and secured the services of David Raya on a permanent basis following his loan stint in North London. However, Mikel Arteta still needs to bolster his squad in key areas.
The Gunners need to strengthen their hand in the middle of park. Arsenal are pushing to sign Mikel Merino, but there are issues holding that deal up, as there are figures within the club who are still not fully convinced by the Spain international.
On top of that, Arteta also needs to upgrade his attacking contingent. Arsenal have been linked with many strikers, but as things stand they are not close to sealing a deal for any new forwards.
Adrian Clarke has now told the club what attribute they need to focus on adding to their options at the top end of the pitch.
Adrian Clarke urges Arsenal to add pace to their attack
The former midfielder is convinced that Arteta’s side lack pace in the final third.
Speaking on The Athletic FC Podcast, he said: “Brick by brick he is building a squad that is getting closer and closer to Manchester City, with less financial strength.
“The next phase is, once you get past defensive depth, it has to be game-changing ability in forward areas, and a little bit more electric pace. Arsenal have got some quickies already, but I think someone with a little bit more special pace… Is what’s needed to take Arsenal to the next level.”
Sporting director Edu needs to take heed of this message and recognise that the Arsenal squad is deficient in this department.
Beyond Gabriel Martinelli, none of the Arsenal attackers offer the kind of blistering pace that Clarke is talking about. Whilst the likes of Gabriel Jesus and Bukayo Saka aren’t exactly slow, their speed does not strike fear into the hearts of opposition defenders.
How Arsenal can add pace to their squad in this transfer window
Arsenal were linked with Nico Williams this summer. Whilst the Athletic Bilbao winger is unlikely to join the Gunners in this transfer window, he does represent the kind of profile that Edu needs to be targeting.
Adding pace in the wide areas is a must for Arsenal. Without it Arteta’s side do not pose a threat of running in behind opposition defences. As such, Arsenal must consider rekindling their interest in Pedro Neto.
The jet-heeled Wolves ace would add a much-needed new dimension to the Gunners’ forward line.
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