Ian Wright warns Arsenal not to repeat Liverpool and Manchester United’s transfer mistakes
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Arsenal legend Ian Wright has warned the club against splashing out on an expensive striker this summer who may fail to deliver, citing the high-profile struggles of Manchester United’s Rasmus Højlund and Liverpool’s Darwin Núñez as cautionary tales.
The Gunners are expected to be active in the upcoming transfer window following a second straight season without silverware, having fallen short in both the Premier League title race and Champions League. A new centre-forward remains a top priority for Mikel Arteta, with names such as Ollie Watkins, Benjamin Šeško, and Viktor Gyökeres among the targets.
However, Wright believes Arsenal must proceed carefully to avoid making a costly mistake.
“You look at Rasmus Højlund—he had nine goals for Atalanta and they paid £72 million for him. You’re taking a chance on potential,” Wright said on Premier League Productions.
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“Then there’s Darwin Núñez—£85 million. I’m not sure Arsenal can afford to get it wrong like that. Yes, we need a striker, but it has to be one who will come in and score immediately. We can’t afford a Højlund or Núñez situation.”
Since their respective moves, Højlund has managed just four Premier League goals for Manchester United this season, while Núñez has struggled for consistency at Liverpool and is widely expected to depart under new manager Arne Slot.
Darwin Nunez has struggled since his move to Liverpool in 2022 (Image credit: Getty Images)Wright admitted that Arsenal’s hesitation in signing a striker may stem from a desire to avoid similar flops.
“Maybe that’s why Arsenal haven’t pulled the trigger yet,” he added. “We can’t afford to waste £80–90 million. That’s why players like Alexander Isak were on the radar—someone proven who can deliver in the Premier League.”
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The former striker also mentioned Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyökeres as a possible solution, noting his prior experience in England, albeit outside the Premier League.
With Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi believed to be close to joining Arsenal, Wright stressed the need for further reinforcements across the pitch.
“Arteta needs four or five quality players,” he said. “It’s crucial that whoever comes in is ready to perform under pressure. Once we sign a striker, people will say, ‘That’s Arsenal’s final piece,’ but it’s not that simple.”
Wright also suggested Arsenal could benefit from strengthening other areas of the squad, including adding a backup centre-back, a new left-back, and even a second-choice goalkeeper.
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