Arsenal’s lack of goals remains a serious problem and that was clear during their FA Cup loss to Manchester United with Gary Lineker urging them to consider raiding a Premier League rival
Gary Lineker has offered a left-field suggestion and claimed Arsenal should consider a move for Ipswich Town’s Liam Delap.
The Tractor Boys bought in the young striker from Manchester City in the summer and he’s been afforded him plenty of game time, which has aided his development. Despite playing for the relegation-threatened outfit Delap has found the net eight times this term.
The 21-year-old has already scored against Chelsea, Tottenham and Aston Villa this season. Arsenal themselves have endured constant problems in the final third with the Gunners operating largely without a recognised striker, instead playing Kai Havertz as a false nine.
Mikel Arteta has been urged to dip into the market for a prolific frontman but has opted against it – a decision that continues to haunt him. Sunday’s FA Cup defeat to Manchester United was another example of Arsenal dominating a match but ultimately ending up on the wrong side of the score as they failed to take their chances – leading to more calls for them to sign a striker.
Alan Shearer said: “I said it at the beginning of the season, I felt that’s what they [Arsenal] needed and I think that would possibly cost them the league not investing in that position.”
Micah Richards then added: “It’s hard, you can’t just go out and get a No.9, there’s not that many in world football. The one I looked at as maybe short term was Osimhen. The problems he’s had at Napoli, he’s been allowed to go on loan in Turkey. But he’s a proven goalscorer at that level, in the Champions League as well. Obviously, I’m sure Arsenal would like to have someone like Isak.”
Lineker chimed in with his surprise suggestion: “Or they could go for a young, up-and-coming one, because once they’re proven you can’t get them, but someone like Delap I see has got a real something about him.”
Ipswich would likely find it hard to resist an offer, especially if they can make a notable profit on the £20million they spent to land Delap back in the summer. Kieran McKenna though is confident his striker will remain, especially if they have hopes of avoiding the drop.
He said: “In terms of January, we’ve got no interest in anything other than Liam being at the football club and he’s got no interest in putting focus into anything other than playing for Ipswich Town and trying to get better every week.
“Other than that, as a football club, I think we need to take pride that players are coming here and improving, and that the best teams in the world are looking at some of our players because of the level that they are operating at.”
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