Martin Keown thinks not signing a striker may cost Arsenal the title

Former Arsenal defender Martin Keown believes that the club could live to regret missing out striking reinforcements during the January transfer window, telling his BBC column that the lack of transfer activity makes the “underdogs” in the race for the Premier League title.

“Arsenal’s failure to sign another striker in the January transfer window surprised me – and makes them underdogs for the title,” he opened.

“The Gunners’ firepower hardly compares to Premier League rivals Manchester City and Chelsea, and if their only fit striker, and top scorer, Olivier Giroud were to get injured it would spell disaster.”

“Another striker at the Emirates would have given the squad a lift, in the same way that the arrival of record £42.4m signing Mesut Ozil did last September.”

The former Arsenal defender suggested that the club’s lack of striking options are exacerbated by the ominous strength of their title rivals.

“The big problem for the Gunners is that, while their attacking options are slim, leaders Manchester City are raining goals,” said Keown.

“In many ways the decision to stick with what he has is typical Wenger.”

“He is very big on not wanting to upset the ambience of the squad and perhaps he felt that other options – such as Fulham striker Dimitar Berbatov, who joined Monaco on loan – were not suitable.”

“You could argue it also gives a boost to the players that are still there. They know the manager believes they are capable of winning the title and Wenger may have felt that if he brought in another striker it might affect the confidence of Giroud.”

One player that the Gunners were linked with throughout the window was Schalke winger Julian Draxler. However Keown admitted that Wenger may have been right to baulk at the German side’s asking price.

“I can understand his logic in not proceeding – £37m looked a lot of money for a 20-year-old who is not proven in the Premier League. Manchester United paid that amount for Juan Mata, and the Spain international is the finished article.”

Keown finished by sounding a note of reason to those questioning Wenger, telling supporters to trust in the Frenchman.

“This situation reminds me a little bit of the start of the season when Arsenal lost at home to Aston Villa in the opening game and fans were looking for a change or a new player,” he said.

“The midweek 2-2 draw at Southampton that saw them lose the league leadership to Manchester City has sparked a similar reaction, so perhaps Gunners fans just need to trust that Wenger knows what he is doing.”

“I just hope he and Arsenal don’t end up regretting the decision.”