Arsenal told to pay 'big cash' to complete marquee striker signing - expert

Arsenal must sign an out-and-out striker capable of scoring 20-25 goals a season in order to match Man City.

That is the view of former West Ham and Celtic forward Frank McAvennie, who was speaking exclusively to Football Insider about the Gunners' "baffling" transfer plan.

Football Insider revealed last week (17 June) that Arsenal are in no rush to sign a new centre-forward after Kai Havertz’s performances in the 2023-24 campaign.

It is believed deals for red-hot duo Victor Osimhen and Viktor Gyokeres are not currently on the cards with the Londoners unwilling to pay their asking prices.

Bukayo Saka (20) was the club's top scorer in the 2023-24 campaign as Arsenal finished second behind City for the second consecutive season.

Arteta started the season with Gabriel Jesus leading the line, before Havertz took on the responsibility after initially playing in a midfield role.

McAvennie 'baffled' by Arsenal transfer plan

McAvennie insisted the Gunners would have won the Premier League title if they had a prolific forward in their ranks.

He told Football Insider: “Look at Man City, they needed a striker to win the Champions League. They got one, and they won it.

“I’m not too enlightened with false nines. Man City have got two players for every position.

“I think it’s baffling for Arsenal to think they can go without a number nine - their history is built on strikers.

“You’ve got to have a number nine who can score you 20, 25 goals a year - minimum.

“If you get that, you win the league. They’d have won the league this year.

“It doesn’t make a lot of sense that they don’t want to bring one in.

“If you want to play with the big boys at the top, you’ve got to pay big cash.”

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