Mikel Arteta hit back at a journalist as he was quizzed on whether he sees a striker as a "necessity".
Arsenal are yet to bring in any new faces this month with calls for a new forward increasing, especially if the club are to chase down Liverpool in the Premier League title race. The Gunners have opted against signing one in the past - back in the summer they had the chance to but failed to get a deal over the line.
That lack of a prolific No 9 has come back to haunt them on occasion and now they have a chance to address the issue. There is a narrative which claims Arteta does not see adding an out and out frontman as a priority.
Previously at Manchester City, when he was assistant, the team would play without a natural striker and he now often lines up with a false 9 but Arteta was stunned and hit back when that idea was put to him.
A journalist said: "You clearly don't share that same sentiment. Do you think it is essential to sign a forward..."
Arteta quickly rejected that and said: "Have I ever said no to a striker?" That led to a swift response: "No, but you don't feel it's a necessity do you?" The Arsenal boss took issue with that school of thought and said: "How do you say that?"
The journalist was then asked to be more specific with the question before the Spanish coach made his feelings known on the matter. He said: "My opinion is clear. We lost two very important players in Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus. So we lack goals, we lack people, we lack options up front. That is clear."
Arsenal have been linked with several names as they look to find someone who can lead their line. Kai Havertz has emerged as a makeshift option over the past 12 months but is not a natural in the position with the likes of Alexander Isak, Benjamin Sesko and Matheus Cunha all linked.
Arteta recently underlined his desire to do something before the window closes as he said: "We are going to try for sure. We are actively looking at [a new forward]. I think we have lost two very, very important players, we have 14 players in the squad, and we play every three days. We will try but let’s see who we can get."
foabdeprty
0
wtf say arsenal will sign a target man you fool,u killin my gooners fuck we wl try
y do u use feelings
Ladeimrsu
0
I think the journalist is a true Arsenal fan,thanks for the Real question,that all fans want to ask the coach and the Board,because it's been clear since Aubamayeng and Lacazatte left,Arsenal waste a lot of chances,Nketiah is better than Jesus and Havertz,the boy had an eye for goal and good ball striking
Bro Nketiah is on 2goals and 1assist for the entire season. 🤦🏾♂️
ColinsGooner
0
But a new striker signed this January could be surplus to requirements when Saka and Jesus return, not so?
is Jesus a striker and he has failed to score enough goals or stay fit,mind you he is out for almost the rest of the season,he might come back late April or beginning of May,maybe until next season
ColinsGooner
5
I think the journalist is a true Arsenal fan,thanks for the Real question,that all fans want to ask the coach and the Board,because it's been clear since Aubamayeng and Lacazatte left,Arsenal waste a lot of chances,Nketiah is better than Jesus and Havertz,the boy had an eye for goal and good ball striking
Temaklnpt
0
is jesus a striker with the number of goals per season?
racklnsuy
0
But a new striker signed this January could be surplus to requirements when Saka and Jesus return, not so?
Vawbmnrst
1
wtf say arsenal will sign a target man you fool,u killin my gooners fuck we wl try