Jermaine Pennant has warned Mikel Arteta he needs to sign a striker capable of taking them to the next level amid reports that the Gunners are struggling to sign reinforcements ahead of the impending transfer deadline.
USA international goalkeeper Matt Turner is likely to join in the summer, but up front Arteta’s options are severely limited with that situation only likely to worsen with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang stil in exile and Eddie Nketiah on the verge of joining Newcastle.
Arsenal saw their hopes of signing Dusan Vlahovic ended on Friday with the Serbia international joining Juventus, while any deals for the likes of Alexander Isak, Ollie Watkins or Dominic Calvert-Lewin would, most likely, have to wait until the summer.
Former Arsenal winger has voiced his concern at the glaring weakness in his old club’s squad and instead of targeting a player with potential he has urged them to try and rival the likes of Chelsea and Manchester United for Borussia Dortmund’s scoring sensation Erling Haaland.
‘They need a good striker,’ Pennant said as part of his role with BestofBets. ‘I watched them against Liverpool in the [Carabao Cup] semi-final and they could have been 2-0 up before half time.
‘But they didn’t have that cutting edge. They had chances – but they need an out and out striker who’s going to get them goals.
‘Erling Haaland at Dortmund – he’d be a great signing for Arsenal. But you’ve got big teams after him including Man City, Man United and Chelsea. And I wonder if Arsenal can, or will, match them in wages – but a player like that would literally kick on Arsenal and take them to the next level.
‘The youngsters are all gelling well – they have got great young players – and Arteta’s got them working well. But they’re just missing that cutting edge – that ruthlessness in front of goal.
‘They need someone who is going to get them 15, 20 goals a season to really keep them in the league – in the top four. And time is ticking.’
MORE : Nigel Winterburn names Bukayo Saka and Kieran Tierney as candidates to become new Arsenal captain
MORE : Dusan Vlahovic speaks out after decision to snub Arsenal and join Juventus
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