‘Would look quite nice in red’… Theo Walcott hints that Arsenal should sign 34 goal striker in transfer raid

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Mikel Arteta’s search for attacking reinforcements is not getting any easier on deadline day.

Arsenal’s £60m Ollie Watkins bid was rejected, meanwhile, Gunners target Mathys Tel is set to join Tottenham – which has left Arteta with little attacking options.

With just hours until the 11 pm deadline, Paul Merson claims Arsenal shouldn’t panic themselves into making rash transfer decisions.

Theo Walcott on the other hand has hinted that the Gunners should now turn their attention to another Premier League striker.

• READ MORE: Arsenal stance on transfer deadline day striker signing revealed in late Mikel Arteta addition

Theo Walcott hints that Arsenal should make move for Jean-Philippe Mateta

Despite recently putting five past the champions, Arsenal’s attacking issues have been well-documented this season, with Walcott calling for the Gunners to sign a forward.

In terms of who Walcott wants Arsenal to bring in, the ex-England international claims he would like to see his former side make a move for Crystal Palace’s Jean-Philippe Mateta.

Speaking on the MOTD2, Walcott sang the praises of the French forward:

“He’s (Mateta) playing with so much confidence right now and he’s got that number 14 shirt which would look quite nice in red aswell.

“He’s always a threat and what I like about Mateta as well – he’s constantly on the move. He likes to start the press and the connections he has with his players behind him is so key.”

Arsenal legend Thierry Henry is a fan of Mateta

Having initially struggled upon his Selhurst Park arrival, Mateta has since transformed into one of the Premier League’s most lethal frontmen under the guidance of Oliver Glasner.

It was this sort of form that saw Arsenal icon Thierry Henry select Mateta for his France Olympic squad in 2024.

When questioned on why he chose the Palace man, Henry told reporters:

“He’s an old-fashioned striker, you can play a little more direct. He can keep the ball.

“He’s a boring striker to play against, he doesn’t lose the ball much, and he goes at the last defender.

“He uses his physicality, he’s good with his head, and he scores. It’s important that a striker like that gives you another dimension.

“He was also voted Player of the Year at Crystal Palace. It seems to me that he’s not too bad.”

Mateta would go on to score five goals at the tournament, playing a key role in France’s run to the final.