Football Today
·25 April 2024
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·25 April 2024
Former Arsenal and Manchester United star Mikael Silvestre believes the Gunners lack a ‘serial killer’ in front of goal.
The north London giants have had another excellent Premier League campaign and are in contention to clinch the title.
Manchester City are still the favourites to win the league, considering they are only one point behind the Gunners with a game in hand.
Arsenal are not out of the title race yet but Silvestre feels the club would have been in a better position if they had a prolific striker in their squad.
He said in a recent interview: “The goals have come from a lot of different players this season.”
“At times, you get the feeling if it doesn’t come from (Bukayo) Saka, (Martin) Ødegaard, (Leoandro) Trossard, (Gabriel) Martinelli, (Kai) Havertz who’s not a number nine and )Gabriel) Jesus who’s also not a central number nine.
“I think a serial killer in front of goal would have helped. But again, they’ve scored a lot of goals this season even without a recognised number nine.”
The 2006 World Cup finalist added that Victor Osimhen and Ollie Watkins are two strikers that can score 30 to 40 goals with the scoring chances at Arsenal.
He added: “Osimhen and Watkins (are the 30-40 goals a season strikers).
“I think you have to look at the services the other players at Arsenal can provide. A good quality striker is going to create chances by himself but he will get the service at Arsenal.
“Yeah I’d say Osimhen and Watkins are the attackers that can score 30-40 goals a season at Arsenal.”
Arsenal are expected to invest in a marquee striker during the summer transfer window.
Osimhen has been linked with the club for some time, but the Nigerian star may not be the right fit due to the asking price and his injury record.
Napoli extended his contract with a release clause worth £111 million, and the Serie A outfit may not sell him for less. He would be a risky summer signing.
The former Lille man has missed 50 days of first-team football with five separate injuries this term. He has netted only 15 goals, and Arsenal need someone more reliable.
Watkins seems a better signing amid his 26-goal season. It has been reported that Arsenal could prise him away from Aston Villa for over £70m, but that will be easier said than done.
If Villa were to qualify for the Champions League next term, they are highly unlikely to contemplate his exit. His age could be another potential drawback for a transfer.
Watkins will be 29 before the turn of the year, and Arsenal may prioritise a younger striker with a strong fitness record.
Benjamin Sesko could be a more reasonable target with his young age and enormous potential.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com