Andrea Berta faces mounting pressure to sign an attacker in January and the scrutiny is entirely justified.
Andrea Berta must sign an attacker in January to rescue Arsenal’s season
Why Arsenal Must Buy an Attacker Before January 1st
Even before Bukayo Saka’s injury setback, Arsenal’s attacking department needed urgent reinforcement.
Yet the Italian’s summer business somehow left the squad weaker in that crucial area.
The decision to sell Trossard, Jesus, and Martinelli, loan out Nwaneri, and replace them with only Tzolis represents a baffling downgrade.
The champions now possess fewer attacking options than they did twelve months ago. Most observers recognised this vulnerability months in advance making the oversight even more difficult to comprehend.
If Arsenal genuinely intend to challenge for the Champions League, deliberately weakening their weakest department appears either arrogant, naive, or both.
Financial constraints didn’t force these sales. This was an unnecessary gamble.
Berta knows Saka’s injury history. He understands Mikel Arteta’s concerns about Viktor Gyökeres and his waning faith in Eze.
The sporting director earns a substantial salary to maintain a shortlist of targets ready for January that’s his fundamental responsibility.
History repeats itself. Two years ago, the manager requested attacking reinforcements and received nothing. That failure effectively surrendered the title race.
Pretending Merino as a makeshift striker, a loanee winger, and a full-back as attacking cover constituted adequate depth insulted the fanbase.
Currently, Arsenal cannot claim sufficient firepower to conquer Europe. Havertz has never been a natural goalscorer. Madueke’s final ball consistently disappoints.
Relying on 16-year-old Dowman for creativity is unacceptable for England’s best team.
Some supporters believe loyalty means unconditional positivity.
They’ll accept the narrative that Arsenal only signs players who improve the squad and that such individuals don’t exist mid-season.
But big clubs think like big clubs. Title winners don’t reduce their offensive options.
A new attacker should arrive on January 1st. If not, serious questions demand answers.
