Ian Wright has warned Arsenal that they need to make an ‘unbelievable’ signing this summer or risk losing three of their best players.
Having come close to winning the Premier League in the last two seasons, this campaign could end up being one of great disappointment for Arsenal.
While they are currently second in the table, they are six points behind Liverpool who have a game in hand, with many believing the Reds will not be caught.
Moreover, the Gunners were knocked out of the FA Cup by Manchester United on Sunday and are 2-0 down in their Carabao Cup semi-final tie with Newcastle United.
The prospect of another trophyless season is real and there is great concern about the side’s blunt attack, especially with Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus sidelined with injury.
But Wright is also greatly worried that the lack of silverware and ambition in the transfer market could cause problems down the line, singling out three players whose contracts expire in 2027.
‘We have to start thinking about about Gabriel [Magalhaes], [William] Saliba and Saka. After this season, they’ve got two years left,’ the former Arsenal striker said on his Wrighty’s House podcast.
‘Even if Arsenal say to you, “listen we want to start talking to you”, with a World Cup coming, managers and agents are going to say, “we just want to focus on our game now, trying to make sure we’re in great form for the World Cup”.
‘Those guys are going to be into the last year. We’re going to have a situation like Liverpool have got now.
‘How long before their management teams say, “we need to see the ambition of this club”? Do any of those players want to end up not winning anything because the way it’s going at the moment…’
Wright of course refers to Liverpool allowing arguably their three best players – Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold – to enter the last six months of their contract, with all three at risk of leaving Anfield for free.
In order to prevent such an outcome at the Emirates, Wright has pleaded for Mikel Arteta and co. to make at least one huge signing and has named the player he would like to see in north London.
‘They have to spend now! They need to do some unbelievable business in the summer,’ he added.
‘As good as I think [Mikel] Merino and [Riccardo] Calafiori have been, I’m not sure they’re the calibre of player that’s going to make Saliba, Gabriel or Saka stay. They need to bring a player or players in that makes them say “f**k, these guys are serious”.
‘Someone like [Jamal] Musiala. That is the kind of player that will make Saka, Gabriel or Saliba take notice. And the reason why Musiala would think about it is because of who’s there now.’
Regarded as one of the best attacking midfielders in the world, Musiala, 21, is viewed as untouchable by Bayern Munich and cost upwards of £100million but would no doubt do exactly what Wright wants.
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