Mikel Arteta has highlighted the key areas Arsenal need to invest in during the summer transfer window, with the focus seemingly on adding more goals.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta received a boost last weekend with the return of Kai Havertz from injury, with the striker coming on in the latter stages of the win over Newcastle United.
But when asked whether Havertz’s return could encourage Arsenal to put less emphasis on signing a striker this summer, Arteta was clear that the team need numbers.
“Well, what we have, what is clear as well with the amount of injuries that we had in the front line, that we need a goal threat and we need the firepower out there,” Arteta said.
“Understanding that the context can change tomorrow, you know, and we cannot rely just on the numbers that we had before. And we have to add goals, we have to add creativity, we have to add numbers and that will be in different positions.”
Arteta’s comments align with recent reports, suggesting Arsenal will be looking for a striker and a winger, as well as the likely addition of Martin Zubimendi in midfield.
After that, Arteta’s desire to add “numbers” in different positions is obviously less specific, and likely depends a lot on the sales Arsenal make.
The Gunners have various players returning from loan spells, like Reiss Nelson, Fabio Vieira, Karl Hein, and Albert Sambi Lokonga. If any or all of them stick around, the need to make signings in their positions lessens.
It’s going to be a busy summer either way, and Arsenal need to make sure they end in a much stronger position than they started it.