Arsenal are hoping to build upon their brilliant performance against Manchester City by acquiring a forward option on deadline day in the January window.
Arsenal have made contact with Mathys Tel of Bayern Munich and have already had a bid rejected for Ollie Watkins. England international Watkins wants to join Arsenal this window.
With Mikel Arteta’s side still fighting for a place in the Carabao Cup final alongside pushing for the Premier League title and their first success in the Champions League, the manager will want more attacking options to call upon.
Pundit Paul Merson has been speaking about the current Arsenal squad and has provided an interesting view on whether the Gunners should be doing any last minute business.
READ MORE: Arsenal stance on transfer deadline day striker signing revealed in late Mikel Arteta addition
Paul Merson believes Arsenal should not panic if they cannot sign Ollie Watkins
Speaking on Sky Sports News coverage of the January transfer deadline day, former Arsenal midfielder Merson has given his belief that the Gunners should not panic if they cannot secure the signature of Watkins.
Merson stated: “They need a forward, unless they get Ollie Watkins I don’t see the point in going to get one, they may as well wait until next season.”
The Sky Sports pundit then claimed that even if Arsenal signed Erling Haaland they would still struggle to overhaul Liverpool at the top of the league.
Merson claimed: “If Liverpool win their game in hand in a week’s time they’re nine points above Arsenal, even if they had Haaland they wouldn’t win the league. Nine points is a lot of points with how many games left. Unless they get Watkins and it’s for the future as well, I wouldn’t panic, then it opens up next season and go from there.”
Watkins limped off during Aston Villa’s defeat at rivals Wolves
A factor in whether Arsenal move for Watkins could have been decided during their recent defeat away Wolves.
Watkins was substituted at half time after it appeared the England forward pulled up with a muscular injury during the first half.
If the Gunners were to bring in any signings before the deadline they would have to be able to make an instant impact to the squad and therefore should the severity of the injury to Watkins be long term, Arsenal may end their interest.
Arteta has been public in requesting attacking reinforcements and time really is running out for the club to deliver his wishes.
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