Rio Ferdinand criticises Arsenal for not signing Serie A winner – says they should now target Alexander Isak

Add as preferred source on Google

It is common knowledge that Arsenal need a new striker.

Despite being the joint-third top scorers in the Premier League this campaign with 53 goals, the Gunners have struggled in key moments this term, evidenced by their 10 draws, also the third most across the 20 teams in the league.

Position	Team	Played MP	Won W	Drawn D	Lost L	For GF	Against GA	Diff GD	Points Pts
1	LiverpoolLiverpool	29	21	7	1	69	27	42	70
2	ArsenalArsenal	29	16	10	3	53	24	29	58
3	Nottm ForestNottingham Forest	29	16	6	7	49	35	14	54
4	ChelseaChelsea	29	14	7	8	53	37	16	49
5	Man CityManchester City	29	14	6	9	55	40	15	48
6	NewcastleNewcastle	28	14	5	9	47	38	9	47

Arsenal’s injury issues have not helped the cause, with Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz long-term absentees.

And now Rio Ferdinand has weighed in on Arsenal’s struggles up top, claiming they should have acted before the season started to boost their attacking strength.

Rio Ferdinand claims Arsenal should have signed Victor Osimhen

Speaking on The Breakdown on TNT Sports, Ferdinand questioned why Mikel Arteta’s side didn’t sign Victor Osimhen from Napoli last Summer.

Ferdinand said: “Osimhen went to Galatasaray on loan.”

“If he’s going to Galatasaray on loan, no disrespect, why are Arsenal not getting that player on loan.”

Mikel Arteta’s side were linked with the 26-year-old, but Arsenal turned down Osimhen in 2024 because of the financial costs involved.

Interestingly, Scotland legend Ally McCoist agreed with Ferdinand’s opinion, adding that the Gunners should have “100 percent” signed the Nigerian.

Osimhen nonetheless remains on Arsenal’s radar ahead of what is expected to be a busy summer window.

And with the former Serie A winner expected to be available for a cheaper price he could prove to be a good option.

Rio Ferdinand says Arsenal must target Alexander Isak

Ferdinand went on to argue that Newcastle’s Alexander Isak must be the number one target for Arteta’s side this Summer.

The former Manchester United defender said: “Isak’s the obvious answer because he’s actually here in the Premier League.”

Ferdinand added: “He’s proven in the Premier League, he scores goals against the best teams as well, the best players.”

Arsenal legend Martin Keown disagreed, emphasising: “Isak now, now [Newcastle] have won [the Carabao Cup], I think it’s even more difficult to get him.”

However, Keown added: “You can be certain this Summer [that Arsenal] will be buying a striker.”

The Gunners are actively looking for attacking reinforcements, with the likes of Benjamin Sesko, Jonathan David and Liam Delap all linked with the club.

In recent days, Arsenal have also been linked with Hugo Ekitike, the 22-year-old striker scoring 13 goals in 25 Bundesliga appearances for Eintracht Frankfurt so far this season.

With so many options, it is vital one of these names is brought in as the club continue the hunt for their first league title since 2003/04.