Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has revealed the club are working on a new striker this month after being quizzed by Rio Ferdinand about their plans.
The Gunners are desperately lacking attacking options after losing Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Jesus and Ethan Nwaneri to injury in recent weeks – and a new signing is crucial if the team is to keep pace with league leaders Liverpool.
Arsenal lacked an outright number 9 even before their injury problems piled up, with Kai Havertz carrying the goal-scoring burden for the team this season. Newcastle's Alexander Isak and Red Bull Leipzig's Benjamin Sesko are among the players linked with participation.
Fortunately, Arsenal turned up the attack against Tottenham on Wednesday night when Leandro Trossard scored to secure a 2-1 win in the North London Derby, but Arteta will know he needs even more depth up front.
TNT Sports pundit Ferdinand had speculated earlier in the show that Arsenal needed a striker and later put the question to Arteta himself.
The Spaniard replied: “Yes, for sure. Because we lost two players, big players, Bukayo [Saka]who could be out for a maximum of three months, which is a long time, and Gabby, who will be out for a very, very, very long time.”
When asked if Arsenal would try to sign a new striker before the end of January, he added: “We will certainly try. We are actively looking at [a new forward]. I think we have lost two very important players, we have fourteen players in the squad and we play every three days. We'll try, but let's see who we can get.”
Arsenal moved to within four points of Liverpool at the top of the table to spice up the title race. And there is no doubt that former Manchester United star Ferdinand was keen for the Gunners to sign a new striker to prevent his old rivals from winning the league.
TNT Sports pundits had discussed Arsenal's problems at length beforehand during coverage, with Ferdinand telling the club to go for ex-Real Madrid superstar Benzema, who currently plays in the Saudi Pro League with Al-Ittihad.
“I would go and get (Karim) Benzema,” Ferdinand said. 'I would say: give me a six-month loan, Benzema. Have that! Arsenal fans, where are you?!”
Ally McCoist, meanwhile, threw Galatasaray's Victor Osimhen. He said:[Osimhen] still scores goals in Turkey. His form is not what it was 18 months ago at Napoli, but I think he can get there again.”
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