Arsenal’s signing of a new striker could be a “catalyst” for success, says former Gunners left-back Nigel Winterburn.
Mikel Arteta’s side have been runners-up to Manchester City in the Premier League in each of the last two seasons and are currently second again – six points behind leaders Liverpool.
They have struggled for an outstanding goalscorer since Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang left the club and winger Bukayo Saka was the main goal threat last season.
Saka is out injured and while Winterburn knows it’s not easy to sign a proven goalscorer, he thinks it would be essential.
Talking with 101 Great Goals via William Hill Vegas Winterburn said: “With Arsenal there is always a discussion about a centre-forward.
“My personal belief is that if everyone was fit, an outside striker would make Arsenal very dangerous.
“If you can guarantee 25 goals in the Premier League for a striker, that would be a catalyst. We didn’t win a trophy with this new team.
Leandro Trossard 🤝 Kai Havertz pic.twitter.com/MIKqboI0BD
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) January 19, 2025
“With a new striker we would be very close and we would scare a lot more teams.”
The Gunners have scored 43 goals in the Premier League this season – seven fewer than Liverpool and one behind Chelsea and Manchester City.
Kai Havertz is their leading scorer in the league with eight and Aubameyang was the last man to score 20 in the league in 2019-20.
Winterburn said: “You can go and buy a striker and still not win the title. We had attackers before, but the team was not strong enough.
“But now the team is strong when everyone is ready. The problem this season was injuries and moving players, tinkering with the system. “
