Although William Gallas is optimistic that Arsenal can break their Premier League championship drought this year, he has cautioned Mikel Arteta that he may be about to make an unnecessary acquisition.
Despite finishing second to Manchester City in the previous two seasons, the Gunners have improved once again this summer.
Now, David Raya has permanently joined from Brentford, while Riccardo Calafiori came from Bologna following many impressive performances for Italy at Euro 2024.
Arteta has determined that bolstering the midfield is more important than adding a new forward.
Real Sociedad’s Mikel Merino has been identified as the Gunners’ No.1 target to join Declan Rice in Arsenal’s engine room and reports last week suggested an agreement is imminent.
Gallas, however, believes the signing of the Spain international isn’t necessary and instead believes a new striker is the missing piece in the jigsaw.
‘Arsenal don’t need to sign Mikel Merino when they have Declan Rice who can play in that role, the former Gunners’ skipper told Genting Casino.’I don’t think Arsenal need another midfielder. They need a striker and maybe a winger.
‘I’m sticking by my prediction of Arsenal winning the title but they still need a top class striker that can go and score them 20 goals in the Premier League.
‘The only issue is that they haven’t signed that striker yet, despite coming so close to being champions last season.
‘They got that close without having a striker who could score 20 goals, Manchester City won it because they have Erling Haaland. You have to have a player like that.
‘With Gabriel Jesus, he has injuries and isn’t consistent enough. I’m also not convinced by Kai Havertz, he scored goals but many were penalties, they need to buy a striker.
‘I hope Gabriel Jesus can be the play to fire Arsenal to the title and it’s Mikel Arteta who sees him in training everyday – but I don’t think he has what it takes to score 20 goals.
‘He didn’t do it at Manchester City and hasn’t done it at Arsenal, I’m not sure he can do it this season either.’