5 months ago
16 Arsenal have challenged Manchester City for the Premier League title for two seasons.
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On both occasions, the Gunners have finished in second position to Pep Guardiola’s team.
Despite improving their form and performances after the 2022-23 season, Mikel Arteta failed to end the domestic dominance of Man City.
In order to close the gap on the Premier League champions, Arsenal have been linked with a move for a number of players this summer.
The Gunners are expected to sign a new striker, midfielder and a full-back.
According to the Daily Mirror, RB Leipzig attacker Benjamin Sesko has given his approval of a move to the Emirates Stadium.
However, journalist Craig Hope feels that the North London club should target a move for Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins instead.
Speaking on the back pages podcast of Sky Sports on Wednesday night, Hope stated that the Gunners can close the gap on Man City if they sign Watkins.
He said:
“What are they missing? This talks to the previous discussion we’ve just had about a striker, a central striker, and if Arsenal did have one of those this season. They only finished two points behind Manchester City. I think they scored five goals less than Manchester City.”
Ollie Watkins celebrates scoring against Arsenal.
“If they’d had that striker, that goalscorer, those extra five goals might just have been the difference between finishing second and finishing first. So, while we see Liverpool potentially interested in Ollie Watkins, what price Arsenal entering the race at as well, I know he’d cost a lot of money but you look at that, that is the one position they’re missing.”
Arteta has used Gabriel Jesus, Eddie Nketiah and Kai Havertz in the role of a striker.
Although the German has been the best performer among the three, there is a general belief that a new striker is needed at the club to fully unlock the team’s potential.
Arsenal need a new striker this summer
Arsenal reached the Champions League quarterfinal but failed to beat Bayern Munich. They came close to winning the Premier League title but Man City had other ideas.
If they can sign a striker this summer, they would have all the bases covered in their squad.
Watkins scored 19 goals and provided 13 assists last season and if they can sign him from Villa, they would be adding one of the best attackers in England right now.
