Arsenal told to focus on Champions League glory despite Arteta's transfer error

19 January 2024 , 22:55

849     0

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has already confirmed the club won't be signing a new striker this month (Image: BBC)

Arsenal have a better chance of winning the Champions League than the Premier League according to ex-Gunner William Gallas, despite a glaring transfer oversight.

Mikel Arteta's men have seen their title credentials called into question in recent weeks, having lost their last three games across all competitions. The Gunners have won just once in their last seven and in turn now sit fourth in the Premier League, five points adrift of table-toppers Liverpool.

One theme throughout this poor run of form has been some wasteful finishing, with the likes of Gabriel Jesus, Kai Havertz and even Bukayo Saka guilty of spurning some glorious chances. Arsenal have found the net just once in their last three, but they have not had the same issues in Europe.

The Gunners are the third highest goalscorers in the Champions League so far this term with 16. Their group stage efforts included a 6-0 thumping of Lens, as well as a dominant 4-0 display against PSV Eindhoven.

Arsenal finished top of Group B and in turn, a two-legged round of 16 clash against Portuguese titans Porto awaits them. Gallas seems to think the Gunners can progress past them and even go the distance.

Chelsea complete record-breaking Enzo Fernandez transfer after deadline day rush

While speaking to Gambling Zone, the former France international explained: "I think there’s more opportunity for Arsenal to win the Champions League this season than the Premier League.

"Arsenal can beat teams round-by-round across two legs but the Premier League is different. The smaller teams can upset them and you’re having to play every three days."

HAVE YOUR SAY! How far will Arsenal go in this season's Champions League? Comment below

William Gallas has claimed that Arsenal should focus on the Champions League this season (Swansea City FC)

Gallas did concede that he feels Arteta has made a mistake by not signing another striker to bolster the Arsenal attack. Currently, the Gunners strike force is made up of an often-injured Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah.

Gallas has offered up some transfer advice as we enter the second half of the January transfer window. He added: "They finished second last season and were very close to winning the Premier League.

"Unfortunately they collapsed. This season, they should have bought a striker but they didn’t do it. They also needed a more experienced player in defence. Even if Saliba is playing very well, they can concede goals. An experienced player at the back would be great for them."

Arteta has already made clear that he won't be signing a striker this month. The Spaniard was asked if there was any chance of a new attacking addition on Friday, to which he replied: "No. But, first thing, that’s because I love the players that we have."

Josh O'Brien