Arteta urged to dismiss major transfer issue and make decision that’d have Arsenal fans in uproar
Former Man Utd midfielder Kleberson has delivered a suspect piece of advice when outlining how Arsenal should address their looming transfer issue.
Arsenal are now the underdogs in the race to secure fourth spot after suffering back-to-back defeats. North London rivals Tottenham are now in possession of fourth spot after hitting their straps under Antonio Conte.
And while it’s been widely accepted Mikel Arteta has taken the Gunners forward this season, missing out on Champions League qualification would be a bitter pill to swallow.
One issue that has again come under the microscope is the decision to axe Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in January.
The Gabon superstar has hit the ground running in Spain, bagging 10 goals in his first 15 matches. By contrast, his replacement at the tip of Arsenal’s attack, Alexandre Lacazette, has scored just one league goal in 2022.
However, that poignant issue could be exacerbated in the summer. Indeed, both Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah are poised to become free agents on June 30.
With one or both of those players expected to go, two or even three new strikers could be signed to ensure Arteta is not left devoid of ammunition.
Strikers far and wide have been linked with a summer switch to the Emirates. Darwin Nunez, Alexander Isak, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Paulo Dybala and Alvaro Morata have all been put on Arsenal’s radar by one outlet or another.
However, according to former Man Utd midfielder Kleberson, Arsenal would be wise to sign exactly zero new strikers.
Kleberson explains bizarre Arsenal advice
On the face of it, that particular piece of advice seems extremely suspect. However, the Brazilian did offer an explanation as to why he believes it is the correct course of action.
“The way Arsenal play, they really like young players, and I don’t see too many strikers that can come in and help them,” said Kleberson (via the Metro).
“Arsenal should look to their academy to find their next striker. They have a great philosophy of bringing youngsters through to the first team and that’s where they should look.
“They [Arsenal] won’t be competing for titles next season but their goal will be in two or three years.
“It’s really hard to find good young players who can come into Arsenal and perform really well.
“It would be easier to bring through and prepare a player from the academy than go out and buy someone to replace Alexandre Lacazette.”
The obvious young striker from within Arsenal’s system that could fit Kleberson’s narrative is Folarin Balogun.
The 20-year-old is currently on loan at Middlesbrough and has notched three goals in his last five matches.
However, relying on relatively untested youth would be an almighty gamble Arteta and Arsenal surely won’t consider taking.
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