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Declan Rice casts doubt on Arsenal’s marquee striker swoop in the summer

By on March 6, 2024

Declan Rice Arteta Arsenal

Declan Rice via Football London has cast uncertainty on Arsenal’s quest for a top striker as the midfielder has suggested they might not need one.

Following the 6-0 victory against Sheffield United, it’s clear that Mikel Arteta was hesitant to discuss Arsenal’s search for a striker. While Edu recently suggested that plans to sign a top striker were in motion, the Arsenal manager has been tight-lipped about the club’s search for a striker. He opted to express his admiration for the players he has rather than drop a hint.

Arsenal have been performing exceptionally well since the winter break. They have dominated their last seven league opponents, scoring an impressive 31 goals during this period. Arsenal’s attack seems to be performing well based on their recent run of games.

Do Arsenal need a top striker?

Club record signing Declan Rice believes that they, as a team, are not desperate for a striker signing. He refuted the idea that they needed to sign a top striker in order to compete, pointing out that they have been doing well without one.

He stated that the team, with forwards such as Gabriel Jesus, Eddie Nketiah, Leandro Trossard, and Kai Havertz, possesses enough quality to bring out the best in their forwards.

“I think that was a narrative that we weren’t creating chances, that we needed a No. 9, but in all honesty, we have been playing like this all year,” Rice said.

“All season, we have been playing really well. Obviously, the goals weren’t as free-flowing as they are now, but that was never a problem that we needed a No. 9—because we have got Gabi [Jesus], we have got Kai [Havertz], we have got Eddie [Nketiah], and we have got Leo [Trossard], who can play as a false nine.

“Goals are going to come. So I don’t think that has ever been a big problem. I think now we are really in our groove, and we are looking really threatening in front of goal.”

Rice seems to suggest that Arsenal should not rush to sign a striker. He might just be alleviating the pressure on Arsenal’s current forwards, who must be feeling the pressure due to the continuous transfer rumors linking the club with other top strikers.

Where there’s smoke, there’s fire, and so with the frequent transfer stories linking Arsenal with various striker means we should still expect the Gunners to be in the market for a new No.9 this summer.

Arsenal may have been effective in front of goal lately, but a top class frontman would take them to another level and help them compete for trophies for years to come.