Wenger: Why sign a striker, Arsenal have Akpom & Sanogo

Arsene Wenger: Unlikely to sign a new striker this summer

Arsene Wenger: Unlikely to sign a new striker this summer

Arsene Wenger has seemingly delivered Arsenal fans’ hopes the club will sign a new striker this summer a knockout blow.

Gunners supporters have been crying out for the Frenchman to splash the cash and sign a big-name centre-forward, with many feeling the inconsistencies in front of goal by Olivier Giroud last season ultimately cost runners-up Arsenal the chance of winning the title.

Wenger tried, and failed, to sign Jamie Vardy earlier this summer, but despite reported interest in Romelu Lukaku, Alvaro Morata and Gonzalo Higuain, the Gunners are left with the same striking options to which they ended last season.

Wenger has hinted he is already happy to play Alexis Sanchez in a more central role, and he has now admitted he is keen to give a chance to those already at the club, with Chuba Akpom an option after a strong showing in pre-season.

“I believe a club like ours is focused on giving chances to the players we develop in our own club,” he said.

“We have a few strikers who have a chance, if we find the right players we buy.

“It is not that easy – look at a club like Real Madrid, who have they bought? Up front, it is very difficult”

Asked if Akpom was in his thoughts, Wenger said: “Theo as well, it is an important season for Theo, because last year he had a difficult period.

“He can play as a striker and his numbers are excellent when he plays up front, we have Giroud, Sanchez, Walcott, Akpom and (Yaya) Sanogo who is still here but is injured at the moment – the players we buy have to be better.”