.jpg "Paul Scholes reveals the two players Arsenal should have signed in January to lift Martin Odegaard")
Arsenal's quiet January transfer window has its share of criticism, with club legend Paul Scholes weighing in on how the Gunners should have shaped up their squad. With injuries to key men Gabriel Jesus and Bukayo Saka, Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta made his feelings known as the club needed signings in key areas. But after failing to land a striker, questions are being asked whether the team did enough to remain competitive in the Premier League title race.
Scholes on How Arsenal Blew It
Scholes reckons Arsenal should have signed a "proper center forward" in order to bring the best out of club skipper Martin Odegaard. The former United midfielder cited Newcastle's Alexander Isak and Aston Villa's Jhon Duran as the missing piece of business that could have pushed Odegaard to even greater heights.
Odegaard struggled earlier in the season through injury, but latterly he has started to reveal glimpses of his best work. Still, Scholes suggests that a top-class striker would have changed everything by giving him greater scope for involvement and scoring options.
Arsenal went in for Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins, but that fell through, too, since Villa wanted £60m-just a tad steep for the Gunners' taste. For now, then, Arteta and co. have no attacking option new into the second half of the season.
The club was also interested in RB Leipzig's Benjamin Sesko, but he didn't end up signing with them. This leaves Arsenal facing an uphill battle to keep both their Premier League and Champions League aspirations intact following no attacking signings made.
Will Arsenal Regret Their January Business?
Without Jesus for the rest of the season and Saka facing an extended spell on the sidelines, Arsenal will have to rely on their current squad depth. While Leandro Trossard and Eddie Nketiah can step up, the lack of a proven goal-scorer could prove costly in the long run.
If Arsenal does happen to falter in the title race, there are plenty among the fan base and punditry alike that will point straight to a lack of transfer activity. Might Isak or Duran have changed it? Only time will tell, but for now, Arteta has little option but to trust the squad on his books.
What Do You Think?
Did Arsenal make a mistake by not signing a striker in January? Would Alexander Isak or Jhon Duran have been the perfect additions to Arteta's squad? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
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