Merson pinpoints transfer Arsenal desperately need - "I've said it from day one"

26 September 2023 , 06:12

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Merson pinpoints transfer Arsenal desperately need - "I've said it from day one"

Paul Merson maintains Arsenal need a forward if they want to claim Premier League glory as he cited Ivan Toney as an ideal target.

The Gunners have become title challengers once again, running Manchester City close last term, and they're expected to be among those pushing the champions this season. But they've already dropped four points whilst City have won six from six to begin their defence.

Arsenal's latest stumble came in the north London derby as Tottenham left the Emirates with a share of the spoils. Mikel Arteta saw his side miss some big chances, Gabriel Jesus with the pick of them as he fired over when gifted a golden opportunity. It has shone the light once again on the team's lack of a potent finisher.

Merson told Sky Sports : "I've always said it from day one - Eddie Nketiah is not going to win you the Premier League. You need a proper centre forward. I'm not blaming Nketiah because they drew 2-2 with Tottenham but with 32 games to go and all the Champions League games they have to play, I don't think he takes them to the next level. I don't even think Gabriel Jesus takes them to the next level."

Last term Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Martinelli were their top scorers in the league, each bagging 15. Their rivals meanwhile were able to rely on prolific frontmen, Erling Haaland the most notable of them. There has been talk of Arsenal bolstering their ranks in the new year with Merson highlighting the man who can fix their issue.

Mikel Arteta's dream Arsenal line up as last-gasp January transfers are secured

He added: "It's alright sitting there and thinking: 'they need a centre forward' - but who is there? Only Ivan Toney is available for them in January - there aren't many centre forwards around in the world. They're a dying breed."

Ivan Toney enjoyed a prolific campaign last term (Getty Images)

Last season, Arsenal were the second highest scorers in the league, notching 88 times as a team - only six fewer than champions City. The missed opportunities at big moments though could already prove costly with Fulham also taking a point away from north London.

Arteta has expressed concern with his team's failure to convert their chances, despite their defence helping them to pick up points. "We have to put the ball in the net more often, especially with the dominance we are having in games," he said.

"But that’s the most difficult thing in football, so if you don’t do that, you have to do the other part, which is be extremely solid."

Samuel Meade