William Gallas warns Arsenal and Mikel Arteta they are set to make £25,000,000 transfer mistake

One bad signing could cost Arsenal the chance of finally overhauling Manchester City.

Aug 6, 2024 - 20:00

William Gallas warns Arsenal and Mikel Arteta they are set to make £25,000,000 transfer mistake

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta during a training session at Sobha Realty Training Centre — Arsenal and Mikel Arteta still want to strengthen their squad in what remains of the transfer window (Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

William Gallas is confident Arsenal are set to end their wait to win the Premier League title this season but has warned Mikel Arteta he is on the verge of making a needless signing.

The Gunners have finished as runners-up to Manchester City in each of the last two campaigns, but have strengthened again this summer.

David Raya has now joined on a permanent basis from Brentford, while Riccardo Calafiori signed from Bologna after making several eye-catching performances for Italy at Euro 2024.

A new forward is still on the agenda while strengthening in midfield has been deemed a priority by Arteta.

Real Sociedad’s Mikel Merino has been identified as the Gunners’ No.1 target to join Declan Rice in Arsenal’s engine room and reports last week suggested an agreement is imminent.

Gallas, however, believes the signing of the Spain international isn’t necessary and instead believes a new striker is the missing piece in the jigsaw.

‘Arsenal don’t need to sign Mikel Merino when they have Declan Rice who can play in that role, the former Gunners’ skipper told Genting Casino. ‘I don’t think Arsenal need another midfielder. They need a striker and maybe a winger.

Mikel Merino celebrates scoring a goal — Mikel Merino is Mikel Arteta’s No.1 midfield transfer target (Photo By Joaquin Corchero/Europa Press via Getty Images)

Arsenal's Gabriel Jesus is challenged by Leny Yoro of Manchester United during a Pre-Season Friendly match vs Manchester United — William Gallas is unsure whether or not Arsenal can rely upon Gabriel Jesus (Picture: Getty)

‘I’m sticking by my prediction of Arsenal winning the title but they still need a top class striker that can go and score them 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 have Erling Haaland. You have to have a player like that.

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

‘I hope Gabriel Jesus can be the play to fire Arsenal to the title and it’s Mikel Arteta who sees him in training everyday – but I don’t think he has what it takes to score 20 goals.

‘He didn’t do it at Manchester City and hasn’t done it at Arsenal, I’m not sure he can do it this season either.’