by Lewis Ambrose

Ex Arsenal striker John Hartson has taken to kicca and encouraged the club to “aim high” in this summer’s transfer window.

Hartson scored 15 goals for Arsenal in 58 appearances as he embarked on a career in top flight, and has said the club need targets of the highest calibre to compete for the Premier League next season.

Aim High

The Welshman earmarked Argentine striker Gonzalo Higuaín as a potential target. Arsenal were reportedly close to agreeing a deal for the Napoli forward two years ago when he was at Real Madrid, but failed to complete a deal with the player opting for Naples instead.

“Arsenal must aim high and sign Gonzalo Higuain for next season’s title challenge,” said Hartson.

“I believe Arsene must break the bank and spend big if they are to go on and compete for the Premier League title after their excellent FA Cup win.

“Napoli’s Higuain is one name that comes to mind. He’s the kind of big name player Arsenal’s main rivals – including Chelsea and Manchester United – will be looking to sign.

“The club will be battling on all fronts next season so they will need three top class strikers anyway.”

Back

And Hartson didn’t stop there.

“They could do a lot worse than starting at the very back. Petr Cech is only 33 and could have another eight playing years ahead of him.

“They also need a new centre back to keep the excellent Koscielny and Mertesacker on their toes.”

Arsenal have been linked with Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech as Wojciech Szczęsny has been widely criticised after being dropped. The Pole was reinstated for the FA Cup Final but, if Chelsea would sell to us, Wenger may well be tempted to try and bring Cech across London.

Having signed Gabriel in January it’s unlikely that Arsenal will look to make any other signings at the back, despite Hartson’s wishes.

Caution

While mentioning these big names, Hartson still seemed to suggest he believed the club would – and should – act with their usual caution in the transfer window.

“I am sure they will do it the Arsene Wenger way which means finding the right players for the right roles.

“I don’t believe the club should panic buy. The transfer market is massively exaggerated at the moment.”

Failed

Arsenal failed to clinch the deal for Higuaín two years ago but, with Napoli once again failing to make the Champions League, he may be back on the market again.

The Argentinian international has 23 goals in 47 appearances for his country and scored 29 times in 58 Napoli appearances this season.

Arsenal may well be on the lookout for a goalkeeper but with Olivier Giroud, Danny Welbeck, Alexis Sánchez and Theo Walcott all at the club it doesn’t seem likely that another forward will be on Arsène Wenger’s shopping list.

Sorry,  John.