Ex-Everton and Manchester United striker Louis Saha claims that Arsenal may need as many “six extra points” compared to last season to win the title.

Mikel Arteta’s side finished narrowly behind Manchester City back in May (reaching 89 points) but, speaking to Paddy Power, Saha said that getting across the 90-point threshold may require a new No.9:

“Arsenal don’t have enough goal-scoring threat in the squad currently. They have good players, a good set up and the team has a lot of players capable of scoring goals from different positions. Kai Havertz has been impressive as a false nine but when you rely on Gabriel Jesus to lead the line, I don’t think he has the goal-scorer attitude. He’s a forward, but he’s not got the killer instinct where he remains in the right positions and gets his 20-25 goals a season.”

“In some games, that is what they need. They’ve only brought in Riccardo Calafiori who is a good player, but he’s not the one that’s going to take them three or four points higher than last year and surpass Manchester City.”

“They were very close in the last two years and if they want to challenge Manchester City, they have to think how they can get six extra points compared to last year, with just one or two players.  I see Manchester City and Erling Haaland have progressed – we saw that against Chelsea – and I wouldn’t be surprised if it’s a close title race again.”

Arsenal are not expected to sign a new striker before the window closes

The Gunners are likely to be active in the transfer market prior to the deadline on Friday week. They are set to sign midfielder Mikel Merino from Real Sociedad, while an approach for Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia is on the cards if the club can offload Aaron Ramsdale first.

However, there have been no concrete reports that a forward will be snapped up this month. A replacement for Eddie Nketiah could be needed if his move to Nottingham Forest is finalised but it has been suggested that Arteta is keener on recruiting a winger, rather than a No.9.

In recent days, Arsenal have been linked with an offer for Atalanta’s Ademola Lookman, while there are also rumours that the club are interested in Bayern Munich pair Leroy Sane and Kingsley Coman. It is up for debate whether any of these players could provide the consistent goal threat that Saha says they need.