Sol Campbell urges Arsenal to sign Osimhen or Toney to offload pressure on team

In an exclusive interview with Mirror, Arsenal legend Sol Campbell has urged Arsenal to sign Victor Osimhen or Ivan Toney in order to offload the pressure on the team.

The Gunners have had another fine start to the campaign and they are currently just one point behind league leaders Manchester City after 12 games into the season.

Meanwhile, the club are almost into the round of 16 stage of the Champions League. A victory over Lens after the international break would cement first position in their group.

Despite the positives, the club are still lagging in the centre-forward department. They still lack a high-profile striker, who can register 20 to 25 goals over an entire season.

Speaking to Mirror, Campbell said that the club will have to decide by January whether they need a centre forward. He added that a new striker would help them in the big games.

He said: “In the end, they will have to decide by January, do they need a centre forward. Twenty to 25 goals in the Premier League. You know, in those big, tight games. I think it will help them.”

“Is it always easy to find the right centre forward? I think eventually if they get someone like that, the right centre forward to compliment the attack – you need them to be able to play to dislodge defences.

“Some defences understand your frequency but you bring in another player to change that frequency and other things happen. Bringing on someone really changes it up.”

When pressed on who the Gunners should sign, Campbell mentioned Osimhen and Toney. With the high price tags involved, Campbell added that Arsenal may wait until the summer to purchase the right striker to offload the pressure on the team.

He added: “Osimhen. But is he going to cost too much money? There’s Ivan [Toney]. I think they’re good [in other areas of the pitch]. Center forward is one thing they might need to look at and see the possibilities, see what’s out there, or wait until next season.”

“But if the right person comes along, an out-and-out striker, that can unlock those tight games, knows what to do in those positions, and also keeps defence occupied to then free up other people, they should maybe look at it Christmas time – if not, definitely next season. The right person will offload the pressure on the team, I think.”

Arsenal could delay striker pursuit until the summer

Much has been said about the Gunners’ striking options this season, but the club have continued to win games. It has been a team effort with several players contributing goals.

Eddie Nketiah turned up with a sublime hat-trick against Sheffield United. The Gunners graduate also won a crucial penalty in the 1-0 away win versus Crystal Palace this season.

Gabriel Jesus scored the third goal in the 3-1 win over Manchester United. He recently registered a goal and an assist in a man of the match performance against Sevilla on the road.

With injuries to Jesus and Nketiah, Leandro Trossard got his chance this month. He has made the most of the opportunity with two goals and an assist in his last two appearances.

Hence, the Gunners are not facing a major crisis up front and may reevaluate their position next summer.

Instead of purchase a striker, the focus could be on bolstering the midfield department.

Thomas Partey is currently out with a fresh thigh injury and may not return until January. If he recovers in time, he would need to report with Ghana for the African Cup of Nations.

Mohamed Elneny could also be away with Egypt. This would leave the club short in the defensive midfield department. Ruben Neves is considered as a target for the Gunners.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com