Former Manchester United and Spurs striker Teddy Sheringham has said that he is “astounded” that Arsenal sold striker Eddie Nketiah in the summer.
The Gunners wanted to add a striker during the January transfer window, and reportedly made a bid for Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins. However, the move was rejected by the Midlands-based club.
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Furthermore, Gabriel Jesus suffered a season-ending ACL injury in January, and Kai Havertz has suffered a season-ending hamstring injury, meaning that the Gunners don’t have any fit strikers.
It creates a major selection issue for Mikel Arteta, who may have to get creative with his decision on who to play in attacking areas.
Speaking to GoonerNews via finaria.it, Sheringham said: “I’m astounded they let Nketiah join Palace, because he is the type of player that scores goals, I think he is a young Ian Wright. Obviously not ready to lead the line full-time for Arsenal, but to throw him in every now and again.
“He’s a goal scorer. He comes alive in the box. That’s what Arsenal need, from my perspective. They need a goal scorer in those vital moments to convert all the chances that they make. So, to not have anyone in their ranks that they could do that with, is astounding.
“‘We need a goal in the last 20 minutes, you go after the ball around this penalty spot, six yard box, go and score a goal like you do. You can score a goal, go and score a goal.’ They haven’t got anyone that’s a natural goal scorer.”
Former Arsenal man Nketiah struggling at Crystal Palace
Despite Sheringham’s comments on Nketiah, the attacker has struggled to get consistent game time since moving to Crystal Palace in the summer transfer window.
He moved to Selhurst Park for a fee of £30m, and has since made 17 Premier League appearances, yet to score a goal. He has been overshadowed by striker Jean-Phillippe Mateta so far this season.
However, considering Arsenal’s woes up front, Arteta may be wishing that he still had Nketiah as a viable option to bring in as a striker.