Arsenal transfer issue: 'Top teams won't allow striker to join Mikel Arteta'
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Arsenal will struggle to sign a striker as no top team will "allow" them to purchase a high-quality option, according to Stephen Warnock.
The Gunners suffered a penalty shootout defeat against bitter rivals Manchester United after a tense 1-1 draw on 12 January.
Mikel Arteta's side squandered several opportunities during the match, prompting fans to demand the club sign a new striker. This is especially in light of Gabriel Jesus's injury.
However, former Premier League defender Stephen Warnock believes Arsenal will face significant challenges in the transfer market as they look to address their attacking issues.
Speaking on The Football Show on Sky Sports News (10:20 am) he said: “What are the options in those forward areas? If you’re bringing someone in it’s gonna have to be a top-quality striker.
“Who’s gonna allow Arsenal to buy a top-quality striker off them within the Premier League?
“Who’s gonna release one in Europe out of the top teams in the Champions League? Are they going to allow a top striker to go to Arsenal? I’m not so sure that would happen.
“Why would you strengthen an opposition team? It’s a very difficult market, we know that, in January.”
Arsenal are desperate as Kai Havertz flops
Football Insider opinion
Arteta's side have struggled in front of goal this season, and a devastating injury to Bukayo Saka has only added to their concerns. Kai Havertz missed a sitter in the final moments of the game against Man United and his penalty miss was the difference in the FA Cup tie.
The North London club have made long-term target Alexander Isak their summer priority, but Newcastle could be unwilling to sell their talisman.
Warnock's comments highlight a key point: Why would a club like Newcastle part with their star striker when they are just five points behind Arsenal?
Top-quality forwards are incredibly valuable, and finding one capable of scoring 20 or more goals seems to be the missing piece in Arsenal's puzzle. However, if clubs demand premium prices for their forwards, Arteta will have only himself to blame for the team’s current predicament.
Despite Saka's injury, the club appear unlikely to spend heavily on a winger. Some fans have even called for Gabriel Martinelli to be sold after his underwhelming Carabao Cup performance.
Arsenal face a crucial North London derby against Tottenham on 15 January. With the team on a three-match winless run, Arteta urgently needs to find solutions to their attacking problems.
In other news, Andy Madley made a huge error in Arsenal vs Man United.
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