Ex-Arsenal player Francis Jeffers believes Mikel Arteta’s side are only one signing away from bringing the Premier League trophy back to north London this season.
The 43-year-old, who won the FA Cup twice with the Gunners in 2003 and 2004 believes Arteta’s side are in need of forward if they are to win the Premier League for the first time in 21 years.
“I think Arsenal do need an out and out striker for sure,” Jeffers told William Hill Vegas. “Toney at Brentford was mentioned recently. You have Ollie Watkins at Aston VIlla who, I don’t think will leave, but would be a great asset to Arsenal.
“Experience in the Premier League as a proven striker is so important to hit the ground running. Maybe that is why they haven’t signed any other striker.”
When asked how Arsenal might approach signing a new number nine: “I like Eddie Nketiah. I think he is a top striker who needs games, so he may move on,” adding: “this will allow Arsenal to go and get the top class, proven out and out striker they need to take them to the next level.”
Reflecting on his own time at Arsenal, in which he made 22 appearances in three years, Jeffers remarked: “When I joined, they had an unbelievable squad. They had four incredible strikers at the club already in Henry, Bergkamp, Wiltord and Kanu, it was difficult to get a look in and play games.”
Jeffers added: “I was only a bit part player during my time there. It was an incredible experience to be at such a big club, and the standards were so high.”
When asked about Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal, who narrowly missed out on the Premier League title last season, Jeffers answered: “What a club. You look at this current team and they ran Manchester CIty so close last season and I am thinking how many of this current team would get into the 2004 invincible team.”
He added: “There were world class players all over the pitch. You need that depth to be able to win big trophies. Arsenal has a huge heritage and tradition. It’s just a shame I couldn’t have got more game time.”
