ARSENAL hero Paul Merson believes Mikel Arteta's final piece of the jigsaw is to sign a striker.
Arteta discusses Arsenal's transfer plans ahead of the January transfer window.
According to former Arsenal player Paul Merson, Arsenal can compete for the Premier League title next season if they sign Dusan Vlahovic. In this transfer window, Arsenal is interested in Fiorentina's Vlahovic. Mikel Arteta may soon be without attacking options due to uncertainty surrounding the futures of three of his forwards.
Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah's contracts expire in the summer, and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has been told he is free to leave.
Vlahovic appears to be Arteta's top choice to lead his attack.
The Gunners are currently fourth in the Premier League and are attempting to qualify for the Champions League for the first time since 2016.
They haven't won the English Premier League since 2004, but Merson believes Vlahovic can help them compete again.
This season, the Serbian striker has 16 goals in 19 Serie A appearances.
"Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is finished at Arsenal," Merson wrote for the Daily Star. He will not be returning from the Africa Cup of Nations.
"They should be breaking the bank to bring in Dusan Vlahovic from Fiorentina in the summer, because he would turn them into title contenders." I've heard he's not interested in Arsenal at the moment, which I can understand. But if they finish in the top four and offer him a lorryload of cash, he might reconsider.
"Because Aubameyang will be gone, Arsenal will be able to play him every week." Alexandre Lacazette will most likely be released. Eddie Nketiah will, too." They will require a goalkeeper, and Vlahovic is a goalkeeper.
He's also still young, so he should improve, and you're not wasting money on a 29-year-old on the decline."
Arteta and Edu, the technical director, have been praised for their hiring in the last 18 months.
Merson, on the other hand, believes that bringing in a striker is now essential.
"I believe good things are happening at Arsenal," he added.
"Mikel Arteta has them performing admirably. However, they will require a proven striker next season.
"He's brought in a goalkeeper, defenders, full-backs, midfielders, and a No. 10, and promoted youngsters on the wings - a proper center forward could be the missing piece."
I'm not saying they'll win the league if Vlahovic joins them. They will, however, have a chance to make it a four-horse race at the very least."
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