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It's not funny anymore; Arsenal need to sign a striker in the summer transfer window. Mikel Arteta has all but said he is hoping to get his wish of more signings.
After Arsenal solidified their place in the Champions League on the penultimate Premier League game this season, the feeling in the air isn't joyous. In fact, rather than celebating, Arsenal fans are still left with the same itch.
The Gunners need to lift a trophy, and it needs to happen sooner rather than later. While we can all sit and applaud Mikel Arteta for the work he's done, it means nothing if he doesn't lift the Premier League or Champions League trophy next season.
Even today, in the first win of the season against Newcastle to secure Arsenal's 2nd place finish (for the third consecutive season), the looming striker-less feeling remained. It took another wonderful goal from midfielder Declan Rice to secure the win.
While Declan Rice has stepped up to the mark with his goals this season, so too has Mikel Merino; it shouldn't be the onus of the midfielder. Arsenal needs a talisman next season to complete the puzzle, but saying that feels like a broken record by now.
Mikel Arteta said what every Arsenal fan was hoping about transfers
Speaking after the match, Mikel Arteta made some pretty telling comments about his role in the transfer proceedings; he's done all he can do. Now, he hopes that the higher-ups at the Emirates Stadium do their jobs.
In his own words, Mikel Arteta said: "The ones upstairs will do what they have to do. Enjoy the season, go to the beach, and have a good time”.
While he didn't outwardly say this, it feels like a timely reminder from Mikel Arteta that he is relying on the real decision makers to trust him and gift him what he needs, new players.
The feeling is that Martin Zubimendi will join in the summer transfer window, so he can elevate the midfield to a new level. However, the midfield has not been the issue this season, the attack has.
With Andrea Berta now calling the shots, and he was at the Emirates today too, fans hope that a change in transfer requirements is on the cards. Watching as a spectator, it's painfully obvious that a talismanic center forward would be the icing on the cake for the Gunners.
Let's just hope those in charge of incomings recognize this too.