Mikael Silvestre urges Arteta to target “killers” Osimhen or Watkins this summer

Here at bettingexpert, Devang Prasad sat down with former Arsenal and Manchester United defender Mikael Silvestre. The pair discussed whether Arsenal are in need of a new number nine this summer as well as the futures of Crystal Palace trio Eberechi Eze, Michael Olise and Marc Guehi. 

Do Arsenal need a serial killer in front of goal? 

After the loss to Bayern Munich, Arteta interestingly remarked that they’re missing a 30-40 goals a season striker. It’s been a topic amongst football pundits and Arsenal fans this season. Especially during the first half of the season where the Gunners struggled to finish the abundance of chances they were creating. Silvestre admires the way in which they’ve been able to share the spoils when it comes to finding the back of the net. 

“The goals have come from a lot of different players this season. At times, you get the feeling if it doesn’t come from Saka, Ødegaard, Trossard, Martinelli, Havertz who’s not a number 9 and Jesus who’s also not a central number 9. I think a serial killer in front of goal would have helped.”

“But again, they’ve scored a lot of goals this season even without a recognized number 9.”

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Osimhen or Watkins to solve Arsenal’s number hole?

The future of Napoli and Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen has been a hot topic in the footballing world with Chelsea one of a number of clubs said to be interested in the 25 year olds. However, there’s a striker closer to home who should also be on the radar for Premier League clubs. Ollie Watkins has scored 19 goals and laid on 10 assists in the league which is the best return for a Aston Villa striker in more than 40 years. Silvestre is a fan of both and believes either of the strikers could be the solution to Arsenal’s number nine issues. 

“Osimhen and Watkins (are the 30-40 goals a season strikers).”

“I think you have to look at the services the other players at Arsenal can provide. A good quality striker is going to create chances by himself but he will get the service at Arsenal.”

“Yeah I’d say Osimhen and Watkins are the attackers that can score 30-40 goals a season at Arsenal.”

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Do Arsenal need attacking reinforcements

Is a prolific striker the most important need for this Arsenal team? Especially when you look at the second half of the season and their 5-0 demolition of Chelsea at the Emirates yesterday. Arsenal fans have for example shared their concerns over the amount of football that Bukayo Saka has had to play in recent seasons. Fear of burnout is real amongst those following Arsenal. 

“You always need to bring players in, not many, but bring in for certain positions to either refresh or give competition. It is important to keep players on their toes with healthy competition.”

“So, yeah probably number 1 is a striker, if you can. The one that is going to get 30 goals. Fantastic. That would mean business has been done properly.”

“Other positions, Timber was injured this season but there isn’t a lot that needs to be added to Arsenal.”

“Maybe a few more attacking players.”

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Eze and Olise have the Arsenal X-Factor 

Arsenal have been linked to both Michael Olise and Eberechi Eze of Crystal Palace. Two of the league’s most exciting creative and attacking players. Silvestre is a huge fan of both players claiming they have the “ x-factor “ and  unpredictability which means many clubs alongside Arsenal will be vying for the pair this summer. 

“Both Olise and Eze are quality players and I don’t think one is a better fit for Arsenal than the other.”

“I think they can play for a lot of teams in the league. They have the x-factor for Crystal Palace, they create chances, they are unpredictable and they score goals.”

“I’m sure there will be a lot of suitors for them and not just Arsenal.”

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Arsenal have enough cover at centre back claims Silvestre

The future of Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi has also been a topic of conversation. This summer will be Crystal Palace’s last chance to sell the in-demand 23-year-old for a fee that matches his current value as the defender enters the final two years of his Palace contract. Could he be ready for the step up? It could be an interesting summer for Arsenal, especially if they were to target Olise, Eze and Guehi with Liverpool also said to be circling the trio. 

“Marc Guehi is a good player. Would he be able to play for Arsenal? I’m sure he will.”

“But normally with Kiwior, with Timber, Ben White, Tomiyasu, you have enough centre-backs. You have enough players to cover for William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes.”

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A Seismic Upcoming North London Derby

Next up for Arsenal is a North London derby as they head to Tottenham this weekend. You never know what to expect from a London derby or any derby but Arsenal will be going into game buoyant after their 5-0 demotion of Chelsea. Could Spurs land the killing blow to Arsenal’s title hopes or will the Gunners get the much needed bragging right?

“I think Arsenal can overcome Spurs in the derby. I think the performance against Wolves gave them the confidence back and I think they can go away and control the game and score.””I think they still have the belief that they can win the league this season and they’ll find a way to go and beat Spurs.

“Micky van de Ven has earned a lot of praise and he’s being touted as a player with more potential than William Saliba both are young defenders with a lot of potential but Silvestre picks out Van de Ven for a lot of praise in what is his debut season in the Premier League.

“His adaptation has been very quick. He reads the game well, wins duels, he’s making good blocks.””He’s having a very good season and has been in a good partnership at Spurs. He’s one who will grow with experience, his character will grow and he’ll become more of a leader.”

“Already a fine start for him.”

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