Mikel Arteta told he ‘has to take full blame’ for Arsenal failing to sign a striker
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Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has been told that he must ‘take the blame’ for the club failing to sign a striker.
The club have come under increasing pressure to sign a striker, particularly with key absentees up front as Bukayo Saka remains out.
Arsenal have scored 218 goals over the last two seasons, with only Man City scoring more in the same time, with regular high-scoring performances.
Darren Bent, former Tottenham striker, has said that it is now time for the Gunners to bring in a forward with a higher goal output.
It comes particularly after Kai Havertz‘ missed chances against Newcastle and Man United, both of which ended in defeat.
“Martinelli has regressed, he’s gone backwards, his form has not been there. It sounds quite obvious but a centre forward is needed” he said on talkSPORT.
“The chances that Kai Havertz missed [in the FA Cup game against Man United] are inexcusable. It’s time now for a regular centre forward to come in”.
Andy Goldstein added that: “You say it’s time now, but that time should have been at the beginning of the season. Your manager should have identified that.
“You spent £100million on Declan Rice but where’s your priorities? Is it for a holding midfielder or is it for someone that scores you. 20, 25 goals a season” Goldstein said.
“I think he looked at the numbers and went ‘only Man City have scored more than us'” Bent said of Arteta’s mindset. “But their goals won them the league”, added Goldstein.
Bent added that Ivan Toney – who moved to the Saudi Pro League last year – would have been the best option, whilst Goldstein suggested Ollie Watkins or Jhon Duran.
“He [Arteta] has to take full blame” Bent added before admitting that Arsenal are in a ‘ropey period’.
Whilst Arsenal have scored 39 goals in the league this season – the joint third-most in the table – calls for a striker remain stronger than ever.
Links with former Brentford star Ivan Toney failed to materialise as he ended up joining Al Ahli for £40m.
Dusan Vlahovic of Juventus, Galatasaray loan star Victor Osimhen and RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko have all been named as links to Arsenal, although the club remain without a strong number nine.
Newcastle’s Alexander Isak was an option, although the club value him at £150m which is an extreme price for the London side to pay.
Gabriel Jesus had begun to find form again but has now suffered a suspected ACL injury, adding to the injury woes for Arteta’s side.
Bukayo Saka has had the most goal contributions for the Gunners, but he remains out until March.
