Former Arsenal forward Theo Walcott has urged the club to sign a proven Premier League striker to bolster their squad for the upcoming season.
Despite a record-breaking season in the Premier League, Walcott, who spent 12 years at Arsenal, believes that a top-class striker is the missing piece in the team’s puzzle.
“I think what Mikel Arteta has done and the atmosphere at Arsenal is incredible,” Walcott said in an interview with The Sun. “What we are missing is a striker, and to have that balance on the bench. I’d say that’s the one thing, maybe Mikel didn’t trust his bench as much.”
Walcott has identified Alexander Isak and Ollie Watkins as ideal candidates to fill the striker role. Both players have established themselves in the Premier League, with Isak impressing at Newcastle United and Watkins consistently scoring for Aston Villa.
I’m looking at someone like Alexander Isak or Ollie Watkins, who has been established in the Premier League,” Walcott added. “We may look abroad, but I’m a big believer in someone who is proven in the Premier League.”
Arsenal have been actively searching for a striker, with numerous names linked to the club. Walcott’s endorsement of Isak and Watkins adds weight to the argument that the Gunners should prioritize a proven Premier League striker over a foreign import.
“Arsenal needs to sign a striker who can score up to 20 league goals per season,” he said. “We already have more than enough players who will score goals for us in other positions, and we need a striker to improve our numbers further.”
