Wright sends Arsenal transfer plea from Emirates stands during Liverpool clash

07 January 2024 , 19:01

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Wright sends Arsenal transfer plea from Emirates stands during Liverpool clash

Ian Wright has urged Arsenal to sign a world-class striker in January after squandering a number of chances during their 2-0 defeat against Liverpool.

The Gunners crashed out of the FA Cup after Jakub Kiwior's own-goal and Luis Diaz's stoppage-time strike earned Liverpool's place in the fourth round. It was a frustrating afternoon at the office for Arsenal, who dominated large periods of the game, but were made to pay for not taking their opportunities.

Mikel Arteta's side had four clear-cut chances compared to Liverpool's one, with Kai Havertz, Bukayo Saka, Reiss Nelson and Martin Odegaard all missing excellent opportunities to score. In fact, Arsenal conjured up an xG of 1.89, with Liverpool totalling 0.85 despite scoring two goals.

While in the stands at the Emirates, ex-Arsenal striker Ian Wright took to Twitter and hinted the Gunners need to go and sign a new centre forward this month. "We need a killer," Wright tweeted.

Havertz started as the lone striker for the visit of Liverpool, despite scoring just five goals in 28 appearances since making the £65million summer move from Chelsea. Gabriel Jesus sat out of the game through injury, while Eddie Nketiah was named on the bench. Arteta started with Reiss Nelson and Bukayo Saka on either flank, with Gabriel Martinelli also among the substitutes.

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Arsenal have now scored just twice in their last four matches, though the Gunners have been linked with a new striker this month. Ivan Toney is Arsenal's primary target, but the Brentford forward has not played a competitive game since May after being handed an eight-month ban from football for breaching betting rules.

However, Toney did score a hat-trick for Brentford in a victory over Southampton Under 23s on Saturday as he closes in on a return to action. The England international could make his return for Brentford in their next Premier League match, a fixture against Nottingham Forest on January 20.

In an exclusive interview with Mirror Football, Toney said: "I know there’s a lot of people thinking 'Can he do this, can he do that? How will he be when he gets back?'"

Meanwhile, Thomas Frank is adamant the club will not be selling Toney this month. When asked if Toney would be staying at Brentford beyond January, Frank said: "The very short answer is yes. He is a Brentford player.

"He is here, we miss a few offensive players and I cannot see why we should sell him. I would love to have him here for a long time. It is not for me to discuss (an offer), but if I could ever recommend one, it would need to be an unbelievable price, so he will stay here."

Kieran King