“He’s a one time defender but Arteta needs to consider him in the striker position because he’s far more clinical than Nketiah”- Arsenal former captain William Gallas has tipped Mikel Arteta to play 23 years old Arsenal’s dynamic left back as a striker instead of Nketiah, Jesus and Trossard

ARSENAL TIPPED TO PLAY 22-YEAR-OLD AS A STRIKER INSTEAD OF GABRIEL JESUS AND EDDIE NKETTIAH

Arsenal’s struggles up front have been a negative highlight for the team over the festive period.

On Christmas Day, Mikel Arteta’s side were sitting top of the Premier League table, but fast forward to the New Year and they are now fourth.

This comes after back-to-back defeats to West Ham United and Fulham, with Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah coming under fire – they have eight Premier League goals between them this term.

With talk of Arsenal needing a striker in the January transfer market, Leroy Rosenior feels that the club should look to play Bukayo Saka up front instead, as he told Premier League Productions (01/01/24 at 5:25 pm).

The 22-year-old has showcased the ability to play various roles during his time on the senior stage, including as a left-back when he was a teenager.

Now operating as one of the best right-sided players in Europe, you feel he would have the capabilities to play as a striker if asked to.

And Leroy Rosenior thinks that’s a road Mikel Arteta should now go down as his team hit a brick wall, in terms of performances.

Bukayo Saka as a striker?

“You know you are talking about your Jesus’s and Nketiah’s not being good enough,” said Rosenior. “What about Saka? Why not play him up front? 

“Liverpool play Salah up front sometimes. I would try it. He is that good. He has played left-back, he has played right and left. Play him up front and see how he does.

“Jesus and Nketiah obviously aren’t good enough to take Arsenal where they want to be.”

Huge January transfer window for Arsenal 

This month could be defining for the team, but it isn’t a time for panic for all involved. 

Last season, Arsenal hit a blip at the wrong time. During the crunch moments of the season, and Manchester City ate them alive.

This time around, they could argue that their blip has come at the right time because they have enough games to recover.

Plus, they also have the January transfer window to make amends.