Arsenal’s lack of attacking options has become a concern as the transfer deadline approaches. Despite their strong start to the season, with victories over Wolves and Aston Villa, the Gunners have not made any significant additions to their attacking lineup. This frugality in the transfer market is surprising, considering their status as runners-up in the last two campaigns.
While the defensive and midfield areas have been strengthened with the signings of Riccardo Calafiori and Mikel Merino, Mikel Arteta has yet to bring in a new attacker. Players like Eddie Nketiah, Fabio Vieira, and Emile Smith Rowe have been deemed surplus to requirements, but no replacements have been lined up.
In contrast, their London rivals Chelsea have been active in the transfer market, particularly in bolstering their attacking options. The Blues are in talks with both Victor Osimhen and Ivan Toney, with a center forward being a priority for them. However, former Arsenal player Emmanuel Petit believes it is Arsenal who should be exploring a move for Ivan Toney.
Toney’s future at Brentford remains unresolved, and Petit sees him as the missing piece in Arteta’s Arsenal squad. Petit emphasizes the need for a striker who can score 20 goals per season, similar to how Manchester City transformed their system with the arrival of Erling Haaland. Petit believes that Arsenal should follow in the footsteps of Pep Guardiola and prioritize a prolific striker.
Petit suggests that players like Nico Williams or Ivan Toney could replicate Haaland’s goal-scoring output at Arsenal. He highlights Toney’s strong relationship with Bryan Mbeumo and the importance of understanding the timing and movements of teammates, which could benefit Arsenal’s attacking play. Petit believes that a late move for Toney could have a significant impact on Arsenal’s title ambitions.
As the transfer deadline approaches, Arsenal fans may be hoping for a late swoop to address their attacking concerns. While Chelsea continues to pursue their targets, Arsenal’s lack of activity in the transfer market raises questions about their ambitions for the season. Only time will tell if Arsenal can secure the attacking reinforcements they need to challenge for the Premier League title.