Ian Wright fears Arsenal could make costly transfer mistake this summer
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Arsenal legend Ian Wright has called on his former club to prioritise signing a striker who can make an immediate impact, warning that the Gunners cannot afford to gamble on a player who needs time to settle.
With Champions League football secured and a third consecutive second-place Premier League finish all but confirmed, Arsenal are preparing for a busy summer transfer window. Many observers, including Wright, believe that adding a reliable and prolific striker is the final piece needed for Mikel Arteta’s side to take the next step and mount a sustained title challenge.
The Gunners opted not to strengthen their attack in the January transfer window despite injuries to key forwards Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus—a decision that coincided with the team’s dip in form and the eventual derailment of their title push. Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins was reportedly offered to the club, but Arsenal were unwilling to meet the £40 million asking price.
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Now, Arsenal are expected to reignite their pursuit of a top-class forward, with Sporting Lisbon’s Viktor Gyokeres and RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko among the names being considered. However, both players represent risks due to their lack of Premier League experience. Newcastle’s Alexander Isak remains Arteta’s ideal signing, but with the Magpies under no pressure to sell, the North London club may be forced to explore alternative options.
Benjamin Sesko continues to be linked with a move to Arsenal this summer (Image credit: Getty Images)Speaking on The Overlap, Wright stressed the importance of finding a striker who can deliver from day one.
“I think the worry for Arsenal more than anything is that you can go out there and pay £60m, £70m, £80m for a striker and it doesn’t work,” he said. “I don’t think Arsenal can afford to get a striker that doesn’t hit the ground running. They have to get the one that they want, and maybe that is what Mikel is doing. In the meantime, he’s trying to get by—and again we’ve fallen short.”
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Wright also praised Arteta’s recent comments following the 1-0 win over Newcastle, in which the manager appeared to send a clear message to the Arsenal board about the need for reinforcements.
Viktor Gyokeres is also linked with a move to Arsenal this summer (Image credit: Getty Images)“What was really good about his interview the other day is the way he signed off by saying it’s up to them upstairs right now,” Wright added. “That’s him saying, ‘Listen – act, or else.’ I hope they do [sign a top striker].”
Arsenal will wrap up their 2024/25 campaign on Sunday against relegated Southampton, with attention already turning to a pivotal summer that could define their ambitions for next season.
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