Pires urges Arsenal to sign a ‘world-class’ striker to win the Premier League.
Robert Pires believes Arsenal needs a top-quality striker to compete for the Premier League title. As a former Arsenal player and a key member of the Invincibles squad in 2003-04, Pires knows the importance of having a clinical forward. Arsenal has not won the league since that historic season and has finished second to Manchester City in the last two campaigns. Currently, they trail Liverpool by six points, with Liverpool having a game in hand. While Arsenal boasts the best defense in the league, their attacking output has been underwhelming. Kai Havertz, Gabriel Martinelli, and Leandro Trossard have not scored enough goals, and Bukayo Saka’s injury has further weakened their attack.
The club has been linked with several strikers in the January transfer window. Reports suggest they have been offered Moise Kean (16 goals in 26 games), Mateo Retegui (19 goals in 29 games), and Manfred Ugalde (16 goals in 22 games). Jhon Duran was also a target but may move to Al-Nassr, while RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko is unavailable until the summer.
Pires wants Arsenal to sign Victor Osimhen, who is currently on loan at Galatasaray and has scored 16 goals in 20 games. Considered one of Europe’s best strikers, Osimhen has been praised by Jose Mourinho as world-class. However, he is in high demand, with Manchester United and other top clubs also interested.
Speaking to the Daily Mail, Pires emphasized the need for a proven striker to help Arsenal win crucial games. He pointed out that Liverpool and Manchester City have top-class forwards and that Arsenal must match that level to compete. Reflecting on his playing days, he recalled how Thierry Henry, Dennis Bergkamp, and Nwankwo Kanu made scoring look effortless. While football has evolved, the need for a reliable goal scorer remains unchanged.
Pires believes Osimhen would fit well with Martinelli, Odegaard, Havertz, and Saka. While he acknowledges he is not the club’s owner or manager, he is confident that Osimhen is the ideal signing. Other options like Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyokeres have been considered, but Osimhen has already proven himself in high-stakes matches.
Manchester United is also in the market for a striker, with Rio Ferdinand stressing their need for a reliable goal scorer, as Rasmus Hojlund has struggled. With competition heating up, Arsenal must act swiftly before the transfer window closes.
Osimhen possesses the physicality, speed, and finishing ability required for the Premier League. Having played in Serie A and now in Turkey, he has experience in top leagues and could be the missing piece in Arsenal’s attack. Mikel Arteta has helped players like Saka, Martinelli, and Odegaard develop, and Osimhen could thrive under his guidance as well.
With the title race still open, Arsenal must strengthen their attack. Their defense is solid, but they need more goals to compete with Liverpool and Manchester City. Osimhen has the attributes Arsenal requires—a complete striker who can finish with both feet and his head, create chances, and perform in big games.
Arsenal fans are eager for a top-class forward, and Osimhen could be the difference-maker. With time running out in the transfer window, Arsenal must make a decisive move if they want to challenge for the title.
