Michael Owen on Arsenal’s Potential Striker Moves
Michael Owen has shared his insights on Arsenal’s current situation with their forward line, suggesting that the club may not be entirely satisfied with Viktor Gyokeres. He believes that if a world-class striker becomes available this summer, the Gunners could look to replace Gyokeres.
Gyokeres made a high-profile move to Arsenal last summer in a £64 million deal from Sporting CP. In his first season, he has managed to score 21 goals in 54 appearances. However, despite his goal-scoring record, the 27-year-old has faced scrutiny over his playing style and technical abilities, especially in crucial matches.
Owen highlighted that Arsenal’s approach to the game might evolve next season, given that they have just secured their first Premier League title in 22 years. He suggested that manager Mikel Arteta would not hesitate to make significant moves in the transfer market if the right opportunity arises.
‘They’ve won it playing like this at the moment, that’s not to say they’re going to be like this forever,’ Owen told Premier League Productions. ‘Arsenal would love to find another centre-forward – they’re not happy with Gyokeres really. They’re not happy with a couple of positions.’
Owen also mentioned the possibility of Arsenal pursuing a top-tier striker, such as Thierry Henry, if he were to become available again. He believes that such a move could significantly change the team’s dynamics.
‘If someone comes available that’s top, if a Thierry Henry becomes available again, they’d move heaven and earth to get somebody like that in. That might change the dynamic of things as well. Okay, they’re not the greatest of watches, granted, I’d say that, but that’s not to say they’ll be like that forever. They might evolve, they might get better.’
He also warned about the risks of over-spending, citing Liverpool’s recent attempts to strengthen their squad. ‘They’ve got to be careful, like a Liverpool, spending £400 million over a summer trying to be even better again, and they ruin what they’ve got. That’s the risk, that’s the management, that’s the next stage.’
Arsenal’s Strong Position in the Premier League
Arsenal finished the season seven points clear of Manchester City, securing their first Premier League title in 22 years. Owen believes that the club has the potential to repeat their success next season, particularly due to the struggles of other top teams.
‘We thought about Liverpool last season but I certainly think about Arsenal, you can see them repeating what they’ve just done,’ Owen said. ‘This is a very, very strong, solid, efficient team that you can see they’re going to do it again. You can see them knocking that points total together again.’
He pointed out that several rival clubs are currently facing challenges. ‘And when you look at the opposition, Liverpool are in turmoil, Chelsea are in turmoil, they’re playing really poorly, Manchester United are upwardly mobile at the moment but they’ve still got a lot of surgeries, a couple of big players going, European football to contend with, it might be a year too early.’
Owen concluded that there is a real opportunity for Arsenal to dominate the league in the near future. ‘A lot of the top teams are struggling at the moment. There is an opportunity for Arsenal, if they keep that consistency, which I can’t see any reason why they wouldn’t. It could be theirs for the immediate future.’
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