Ex-Arsenal defender Johan Djourou thinks his former club should sign Aleksandar Mitrovic from Premier League rivals Fulham this summer.
The Gunners are expected to strengthen in various positions this summer ahead of their return to the Champions League.
Mitrovic is not being linked with a move to the Emirates, but he has at least enjoyed a brilliant season with Fulham.
The Serbia international missed eight games as a result of his ban but he managed to score 14 goals in his 24 Premier League outings for the Cottagers.
Djourou thinks Arsenal would benefit from having a “striker with more power like Erling Haaland or Mitrovic.
“While Saka has extended, all these players (Saka, Jesus, Martinelli) are too similar for me,” Djourou told MyBettingSites.com.
“Arsenal need another striker with more power like an Erling Haaland or an Aleksandar Mitrovic
“So a player who is strong in the air and can hold the ball well, as well as being important as a striker with his back to the opponent’s goal.
“When a game gets tight and the opposing block controls all of Arsenal’s attacking attempts, they often can’t find a solution. Accordingly, such a physically strong player would be important for them to become a bit more unpredictable.”
Unlike Mitrovic, Bayer Leverkusen’s Moussa Diaby – who is valued at €60m – has been mentioned as a potential Arsenal target.
Djourou “would welcome” Diaby’s arrival at Arsenal as they need “more quality and experience”
“For me, competition is the be-all and end-all, so I would welcome a new arrival in that position (when asked about Arsenal’s interest in Moussa Diaby),” Djourou said.
“Just look at Manchester City: At the moment, top players like Phil Foden or Ryad Mahrez are always on the bench, while Jack Grealish is an integral part of the starting eleven because he performs really well.
“A well-balanced squad is eminently important to strengthen the cohesion and to make sure that every player questions himself again and again. Arsenal need a bit more quality and experience so that nobody feels too comfortable.”
On Granit Xhaka leaving, he added: “Throughout the season Granit was really strong. He was consistent, he was often involved in the decisive moments.
“I don’t know if the Arsenal officials have already found his successor, but because of his great experience, positional play and mentality, his departure will certainly hurt [them].
“He has established himself at Arsenal with a lot of professionalism. I really liked him as a player.”
