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Published January 15, 2025 8:28pm Updated January 15, 2025 8:28pm
Rio Ferdinand has urged Arsenal to sign former Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema on loan for the rest of the season.
Mikel Arteta is facing fresh calls to sign a new forward in the January transfer window with Gabriel Jesus now ruled out for the rest of the season due to an ACL injury.
Kai Havertz has scored 12 goals in all competitions but has come under fire once again over his missed chances in the Carabao Cup defeat to Newcastle United and in Arsenal’s shootout loss to Manchester United in the FA Cup on Sunday.
Former Rangers and Scotland striker Ally McCoist believes Havertz will never be an ‘out-and-out goalscorer’ for Arsenal and has tipped the Gunners to make a move for Victor Osimhen, who is currently on loan at Galatasaray from Napoli.
But Ferdinand believes Benzema, who currently plays for Saudi Pro League side Al-Ittihad, would offer a short-term solution for Arteta’s attacking problems.
‘They need a goalscorer, it’s simple,’ McCoist said during TNT Sports’ pre-match coverage of Arsenal’s north London derby against Tottenham.
You look at Havertz, the little bit of the stick he’s receiving is a little bit harsh because he’s not an out-and-out goalscorer.
I think Havertz is one of those players who would score as many goals coming off the left, or as a No.10, as he would as a No.9.
It’s not rocket science, the chances that Arsenal are creating, a proper out-and-out, six-yard box predator will score goals.
I’d go and get Osimhen. He’s still been scoring goals in Türkiye, his form is not what it was 18 months ago with Napoli but I think he can get there again.
Ferdinand then said: ‘I’d go and get Benzema.
‘I’d say give me a six-month loan, have that.’
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