22 May 2023 , 11:14
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Arsenal have been told that they 'need a centre forward' by Gunners legend Paul Merson despite spending £45million on Gabriel Jesus last summer.
The Brazil international enjoyed a stellar debut season at the Emirates, with 10 goals and five assists to his name in the Premier League alone, but was also guilty of spurning a number of big chances at vital stages during the title run-in. It is important to note that Jesus did miss a large chunk of the campaign due to knee surgery after an injury sustained at the World Cup.
The Gunners came close to ending their 19-year wait for a league title and topped the table for 93 per-cent of the season, but were pipped to the post by Jesus' former side Manchester City during the last knockings.
Having taken 50 points from the first half of the season, Arsenal's form drastically declined at the business end of the campaign and as a result City were able to overturn the eight-point advantage the Gunners had over them at one stage.
Merson has cited Arsenal's 'bare' squad as a reason for their demise and insisted Arteta needs to recruit wisely to ensure the Gunners don't end next season in similar fashion.
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"Arsenal need a centre forward,’ Merson told GiveMeSport. ‘They need someone who is going to get them 25 goals a season.
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Gabriel Jesus has struggled at times this season for Arsenal (Getty Images)"I’m not having a go at Gabriel Jesus. He’s a very good player and he’s been a brilliant signing. But he’s not going to get you the goals you need on his own. The other day against Brighton, I don’t remember him ever looking like scoring."
There isn't exactly a plethora of world class strikers on the market at the moment, but Merson's suggestion will certainly raise a few eyebrows nonetheless.
"Romelu Lukaku might be available. The 30-year-old is an out-and-out centre-forward. He will stay up front and back into players. That might help Arsenal."
Lukaku has spent the season on loan at Inter Milan after his second spell at Chelsea descended into disaster following a questionable interview from the Belgian when the Blues were still under the guidance of Thomas Tuchel.
The 30-year-old certainly has more than enough Premier League experience, but it is unlikely Chelsea would be willing to a direct rival no matter how keen they are on shifting Lukaku off the books.
Alternatively, Merson did raise Brentford ace Ivan Toney as another option but conceded that switch is now a long shot given the eight-month ban he has been hit with.