Mikel Arteta sent clear transfer warning as Arsenal 'eye' staggering £25m deal to sign star

Former Arsenal defender William Gallas has warned Mikel Arteta to focus on signing a striker rather than bringing in another midfielder. Metro reports that Arsenal are considering signing Real Sociedad’s Mikel Merino to complement Declan Rice in midfield.

However, the Gunners already have the returning Thomas Partey, who, when fit, is one of the best midfielders in the Premier League. Arsenal have already strengthened their squad this summer with David Raya joining on a permanent basis from Brentford, while Riccardo Calafiori signed from Bologna after impressing with Italy at Euro 2024.

Mikel Arteta aims to challenge his former boss, Pep Guardiola, for the title, but William Gallas believes the Arsenal manager would be better served by focusing on securing a striker to finish the chances his team creates.

Gallas told the Metro: “Arsenal don’t need to sign Mikel Merino when they have Declan Rice, who can play in that role. I’m sticking by my prediction of Arsenal winning the title, but they still need a top-class striker who can score 20 goals in the Premier League.

“The only issue is that they haven’t signed that striker yet, despite coming so close to being champions last season. They got that close without having a striker who could score 20 goals; Manchester City won it because they had Erling Haaland. You need a player like that.

“With Gabriel Jesus, he has injuries and isn’t consistent enough. I’m also not convinced by Kai Havertz; while he scored goals, many were penalties. They need to buy a striker.

“I hope Gabriel Jesus can be the player to fire Arsenal to the title, and it’s Mikel Arteta who sees him in training every day – but I don’t think he has what it takes to score 20 goals.”

The Gunners will begin their Premier League campaign at home against Wolves next weekend.