Alan Shearer has urged Arsenal to sign top-class striker if they want to clinch the Premier League title this season.
Arsenal have been impressive under Mikel Arteta for the past two seasons, but they have fallen short both times, with Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City proving too strong. However, this season could present a unique opportunity for Arsenal. With Guardiola’s contract ending, key Manchester City players potentially leaving. And the club facing a legal battle, the stars seem to be aligning for the Gunners.
Shearer, a Premier League legend, believes that adding a high-quality striker could be the final piece Arsenal need to surpass City. “If they sign a top-class striker between now and the end of the season, I think they’ll win the league,” Shearer said on The Rest Is Football podcast. “This is the one, but I think they still need that striker.”
Arteta has been cautious about the need for a top striker but has acknowledged the need to strengthen the squad in various areas. “With the new regulations, there are certain things we have to respect and be conscious of,” Arteta told ESPN. “But, there are things that we have to improve, that’s for sure, and we are going to try to. We are looking to improve in every possible department.”
Several potential recruits have been linked with Arsenal. Brentford’s Ivan Toney, who has expressed a desire to leave, was a strong candidate for a January move. However, with a current valuation around £50 million, clubs may wait until the summer to make a move.
Newcastle’s Alexander Isak was another target earlier this window, but with Newcastle seeking over £100 million for the Swede amid financial fair play concerns, he may be out of Arsenal’s reach.
A potentially more feasible option could be Viktor Gyokeres of Sporting CP, whose £86 million release clause might be negotiable. Sporting CP has even hinted at a potential transfer after paying Coventry City to reduce Gyokeres’ sell-on fee.
While Arteta might opt to rely on Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus, and Eddie Nketiah, he has praised Havertz’s impressive start and Jesus’s pre-season form. Despite speculation about Jesus’s potential move to Saudi Arabia, Arteta remains optimistic about his contribution.
“He looks really good,” Arteta commented on Jesus. “He looks really sharp, He has changed a lot of things over summer, He has come in top condition again. And when you have that baseline, other things can be built, but without that foundation, you don’t have a player. He has realized that, and I am really happy with what he has shown. There’s a spark there.”
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