Shearer Blasts Arsenal: "Any Fool Can See Their Striker Problem"
Alan Shearer was quite blunt when criticizing Arsenal's transfer strategy last season after they fell short for the third straight year.
With Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Jesus, Gabriel Martinelli and Kai Havertz all suffering injuries, and Eddie Nketiah leaving last summer, Mikel Arteta was forced to use midfielder Mikel Merino as an improvised forward during crucial matches. By that point, they were essentially only competing for Champions League qualification.
"One has to wonder, who decided at the start of [last] season to proceed without acquiring a striker? Was it Mikel indicating he believed he had sufficient options, or was it the board claiming 'We lack the funds?' Whoever made that decision, it proved unsuccessful," Shearer commented to Sports Illustrated.
Throughout Arteta's tenure, the Gunners have frequently been criticized for lacking a dedicated goal scorer, particularly considering Erling Haaland joined Manchester City just as Arsenal began mounting serious title challenges. Players such as Havertz and Jesus have shown potential, but no one has firmly established themselves in the position despite Arsenal consistently challenging over the past three seasons.
However, this past season was the first where they truly suffered in terms of goal production. Arsenal's Premier League goal count dropped from 91 to 69 this season, a concerning figure further highlighted by the 14 draws they recorded.
Regarding Sporting CP's Viktor Gyökeres and RB Leipzig's Benjamin Šeško, two strikers frequently linked with Arsenal, Shearer doesn't express a preference for either. Instead, the Premier League's all-time top scorer emphasized how crucial this summer is for clubs and players seeking significant transfers.
"I believe they're both excellent strikers, but I also think there are four, or five if not more after [Liam] Delap [worth noting]... it's certainly a good time to be a centre forward, isn't it? Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United, possibly Tottenham, maybe Newcastle, virtually every major club is searching for a centre forward," Shearer remarked.
Several Premier League clubs are looking to sign strikers this summer who can make an immediate impact next season, and Shearer shared his thoughts on potential moves for Arsenal, current champions Liverpool, and his former club, Newcastle.
"I would like Newcastle to recruit another forward, especially as they're entering Champions League football. I believe Liverpool need to sign a forward and there's no question [about Arsenal] because examining every statistic in attacking positions shows they've declined from last season. It doesn't require exceptional insight to determine what Arsenal need."
Delap was the first major transfer this summer, moving from Ipswich Town to Chelsea with the reported deal completed. Liverpool have allegedly agreed to terms with Florian Wirtz, though the German primarily operates as an attacking midfielder or secondary striker.
If Arsenal wish to compete effectively next season, they must acquire someone who can lead their attack with confidence and authority.