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James GoldmanPublished Sep 5, 2024, 10:12am|Updated Sep 5, 2024, 10:13am
William Gallas fears Arsenal may end up regretting their decision not to sign a striker during the summer transfer window.
The Gunners invested heavily on bolstering their defence and midfield engine room with the additions of Riccardo Calafiori and Mikel Merino.
David Raya, meanwhile, joined on a permanent basis following last season’s successful loan move from Brentford.
Mikel Arteta’s side began the new season with impressive wins over Wolves and Aston Villa, but dropped their first points of the campaign against Brighton, in controversial circumstances, last weekend.
Declan Rice’s sending off dominated the headlines but it was Arsenal’s failure to turn their first half dominance into goals that had just as significant a bearing on the result.
Kai Havertz was on target again to continue his fine run of form dating back to last season’s run-in but Arteta is currently without a natural alternative given Gabriel Jesus’s latest injury setback.
Raheem Sterling joined on loan from Chelsea on deadline day and could prove a useful option in a central role, but Gallas believes his old club should have made a move for Brighton’s Joao Pedro, who scored the Seagulls’ equaliser at the Emirates.
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‘Joao Pedro could be the man to make a difference at Arsenal but it would be for next season, even in January it could be too late because Mikel Arteta needs the title this year,’ Gallas told Gambling Zone.
’It would have to be a huge bid for Brighton to sell in January but they need a striker unless Gabriel Jesus can get fit and perform. It’s so difficult for strikers to come in and make an impact after joining in the winter.
’Arsenal need more goals and Joao Pedro has a big future at one of the biggest clubs in the Premier League, but he might join too late – they should’ve gone for him in the summer.’
Rice’s suspension, meanwhile, will rule him out of the north London derby which follows the international break.
Gallas added: ‘The red card for Declan Rice was a confusing one, he didn’t deserve the second yellow card and red card. I know they couldn’t use VAR, but maybe they should re-think the rules.
‘I still think that after the red card, Arsenal should’ve had enough to win the game without him. Brighton are a good side but when you’re trying to win the title you have to beat them at home.
‘Football is simple and if you want to reach the level of Manchester City, you have to win these games.’
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