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Former Arsenal star Emmanuel Petit believes that the Gunners can genuinely challenge for the title if they strengthen one position in January.
THE LOWDOWN: IMPRESSIVE ARSENAL
Arsenal returned to the top of the Premier League table after defeating Liverpool 3-2 in a thrilling match at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday.
Mikel Arteta’s side have won eight of their nine top-flight matches this season and are in excellent form, with Gabriel Martinelli claiming the Man of the Match award against Jurgen Klopp’s side and Bukayo Saka netting twice.
Despite Arsenal’s strong start to the Premier League, there are question marks about their squad depth and whether or not they can genuinely go all the way.
Former Gunners idol Petit shares similar concerns but believes that the north Londoners should make a January move for Newcastle star Allan Saint-Maximin – although he’d also settle for Wilfried Zaha.
THE LATEST: TRANSFER CLAIM MADE
Speaking on Arsenal’s transfer plans, Petit believes proper competition is lacking on the flank and that position must be strengthened in the January window.
“I don’t think Arsenal will win the title but they will definitely qualify for the Champions League and that is a big achievement considering where they were when Arteta came to the club,” he told Genting Casino.
“If they are to strengthen I think they need wingers because Saka, Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus have been great but they have no-one to replace them if they get injured.
“Emile Smith-Rowe is injured, Eddie Nketiah just signed a new contract but can he be the next striker if Jesus gets injured? My answer is no.
“All the big teams have big wingers. There’s a few in England that would be my dream for Arsenal.
“Allan Saint-Maximin would be a great signing. Can you imagine the damage with all the players around him?
“Wilfried Zaha of Palace too would be great. But they also need a central midfielder and centre-back as I’m not too sure about Rob Holding.”
THE VERDICT: FAIR POINT MADE
Saka and Martinelli have impressed since the start of the campaign, but the reality is that natural replacements are lacking for both players.
In a season which will be physically demanding, injuries or burnout will surely see either or both players miss out on action, and the need for a top-class replacement to call upon will come to light.
Saint-Maximin and Zaha might be impossible to chase in January, but there should be other realistic targets that the Gunners can pursue.
