Ray Parlour insists a prime Thierry Henry would be enough to propel Arsenal to the Premier League title. The former midfielder believes a world class striker is the missing piece in Mikel Arteta’s puzzle.
Arsenal endured a minor wobble in the autumn but successive five-goal displays in the Champions League and Premier League suggest they are now back on track. Key players such as captain Martin Odegaard are returning to full fitness.
However, there remains concern that the Gunners are not quite up to the same standard as title rivals Liverpool. They remain nine points behind the Reds despite beating West Ham 5-2 on Saturday.
Many theories have been raised over how Arsenal can improve. Parlour believes that it is as simple as signing an elite forward.
He told NetBet: “If Thierry Henry is in this Arsenal side, they win the League. But, looking at world class strikers out there and I can’t see who is available that they can sign in January.
“It’s always difficult to sign players in January and apart from the striker at Lisbon who is on everyone’s radar, I just don't see Arsenal going in the market. The options across Europe just aren’t available.
“But you have to look at the current form of Arsenal and they scored 5 in Lisbon and 5 at West Ham, all different scorers in both games, so 10 goals in two games and who needs more reinforcements.
“But yes, if that player comes along they Mikel and the hierarchy think are available, then I am sure they will look to sign them.”
Arteta has used Havertz as a No. 9 this season but the German often seems more comfortable in a slightly deeper role. Gabriel Jesus has not scored a Premier League goal in over 10 months.
Arsenal have been linked with Viktor Gyokeres and Alexander Isak but neither seem realistic January signings. Gyokeres is excelling at Sporting CP and reportedly harbours an interest in reuniting with former boss Ruben Amorim at Manchester United.
Meanwhile, Isak would be a hugely expensive signing and his addition from Newcastle would be a difficult deal to conclude midway through the season. The Magpies are 11th in the Premier League but remain optimistic about sealing European football for next term.
It remains to be seen whether Arsenal dip into the January market or whether Arteta places his trust in the squad that started the campaign.