‘It’s too late!’ – Emmanuel Petit names three strikers Arsenal should have targeted last summer
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Emmanuel Petit has hit out at Arsenal for failing to sign a top striker last summer, claiming the club have left it ‘too late’ to bring in the quality they require up front. There were loud calls for Arsenal to sign in a proven goalscorer ahead of the 2024/25 season, with the club finishing as runners-up to Manchester City for two years running in the Premier League.
![[Olympique Lyonnais v FC Barcelona - UEFA Champions League Round of 16: First Leg]](https://metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/GettyImages-1130773865_a071b6.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=646)
But Raheem Sterling was the only attack-minded player added to Mikel Arteta’s squad and the Chelsea loanee has fallen well short of expectations, managing just one goal in his opening 13 appearances for the Gunners. Gabriel Jesus’ season-ending injury has only compounded the issue and with Kai Havertz struggling to replicate the form he showed in the back-end of last season as a false No.9, calls for Arsenal to turn to the transfer market have intensified once again.
![[Newcastle United FC v Arsenal FC - Premier League]](https://metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/GettyImages-2182530788.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=646)
A host of high-profile forwards have been linked since the January transfer window opened for business, from Juventus’ Dusan Vlahovic to Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo. But according to ex-Arsenal midfielder Petit, the north London outfit should have been targeting the likes of Alexander Isak, Victor Osimhen and Viktor Gyokeres when they had the chance six months ago.
![[Arsenal v Manchester United - Emirates FA Cup Third Round]](https://metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/GettyImages-2193530204_c29986.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=646)
‘It’s too late now. I think the transfer market in January is not the best,’ Petit told talkSPORT. ‘I know there is some opportunities but it’s just a question of money. ‘I think Isak won’t leave Newcastle, they are fighting for the Champions League as well so that will not happen.
![[Arsenal FC v Tottenham Hotspur FC - Premier League]](https://metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/GettyImages-2194174719.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=646)
