Exclusive: Arsenal legend names position Mikel Arteta would ‘love’ to sign a new player in

❘ Updated: 2024-02-09T11:14:25

Arteta does not have a prolific goalscorer in his ranks.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta would ‘love’ to sign a new striker this summer, according to club legend Alan Smith.

The Gunners have scored a respectable 47 goals in 23 Premier League games so far this season but only Bukayo Saka (eight) has more than five to his name.

Arsenal are good at sharing the goals around their squad, with Gabriel Martinelli, Eddie Nketiah and Leandro Trossard all on five league strikes, and Kai Havertz, Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Jesus each on four, but they do not have a prolific scorer in their ranks.

Rivals’ thriving goalscorers

Five teams have scored more top-flight goals than Arsenal so far this season, and each of those teams’ top scorers is into double figures for the league campaign: Erling Haaland and Mo Salah, 14; Son Heung-min, 12; Ollie Watkins, 11; Alexander Isak, 10.

Arsenal were linked with Brentford marksman Ivan Toney leading into the January transfer window but a move did not materialise.

Arsenal great Smith does not think the lack of an out-and-out goalscorer will necessarily cost them in the title run-in, but does believe it is a situation Arteta may look to address in the summer.

“Last season they got themselves into a great position,” Smith told Dexerto via NewBettingOffers.co.uk. “Nobody was talking about the lack of a scorer then. Goals weren’t a problem.

“It’s just the fact that there’s been a spell where people have snatched at chances, they haven’t been able to score, but it was with the same players last season so theoretically they could go on, and they are better defensively.

“Obviously Arsenal fell off a bit last season when Saliba dropped out of the team last term but defensively they are much stronger.

“Of course it would be lovely to get a centre-forward, somebody of Ivan Toney’s ilk, somebody that’s a bit different to what they’ve got. That physical presence, aerial strength, somebody that’s going to run in behind too, but with Financial Fair Play, they couldn’t manage it even if somebody like that was available.

“All eyes on the summer because I’m sure Arteta would love to get another centre-forward in because Jesus just keeps picking up injuries and when that happens you’re thinking, ‘I can’t rely on this boy’. It’s unfortunate for him but it just keeps happening.”