Ian Wright tells Arsenal which three players they need to sign to beat Man City to title
Ian Wright believes Arsenal need to land three new signings in the summer - including sufficient cover for William Saliba and Bukayo Saka.
The Gunners fell narrowly short in the Premier League title race, ultimately losing out to Manchester City by two points. It is the second time in a row they've been thwarted by the Manchester outfit and attention has turned to how they can improve their squad.
Mikel Arteta was fortunate to have his best players available for the majority of the season but Wright thinks more depth is needed so that the team could cope without Saliba and Saka, two of their most important players. He also wants more midfielders bought in at the Emirates.
He told the Stick to Football podcast, brought to you by Sky Bet: “Everyone’s talked about [ Arsenal ’s need to sign] a centre forward, but as difficult as it’s been, we can deal with the hit of not having that out-and-out centre forward. I think we need cover for Bukayo Saka, we need cover for William Saliba, and another midfielder probably.
“You look at what Manchester City are capable of doing in respect of bringing players in. You have to have somebody to come in who can challenge William Saliba for his position, because we need to strengthen the whole squad – look at our bench."
Saliba helped Arsenal have the best defensive record in the league and is regarded as the pillar of their backline. His absence last term told as the Gunners regularly shipped goals without him, and there are fears that would happen again if he was injured.
Saka also top scored for the Gunners, notching 20 goals, and remains one of their most crucial weapons going forward, but he and the team have endured another trophyless campaign despite all their progress.
An injury to William Saliba could have a serious impact on Arsenal
Arteta urged the fanbase to stick with the team, adamant they will eventually top the pile and Wright thinks the more challengers City have the more likely the Gunners are to overhaul them as champions.
"We’re going to have to go again," he said. "Obviously, we improved on last season and I’m very proud of what they’ve done because it’s tough and City have shown the levels. You can’t expect Arsenal to not drop points, what you ideally want it is for more people to be involved and give City more of a fight.”
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