Arsenal given stark 'going to be fleeced' transfer warning as Alan Shearer criticises Gunners for making 'huge error' that has cost Premier League title hopes

The Premier League's all-time record goalscorer explained that Arsenal's failure to bring in a new centre-forward in either the summer or winter transfer window has cost them in their race for a first league title in 21 years. Shearer criticised the club for not signing a striker, which he believed would have won them the title, and added that this has only put more pressure on to deliver an elite attacking option in the summer before the next campaign. Signing a top talent to bolster their attack will be made more difficult by their desperation, however, with clubs likely to charge the Gunners premium prices.

Speaking to Betfair, Shearer said: "I would guess that between now and the beginning of next season that they'll have to bring players in.

“How many additions required is the question, but one thing is for certain that they have to bring a centre-forward in of world class quality and there's not many of those around.

“Whoever they go for, they're going to get fleeced, because everyone knows they're desperate for a striker.”

“I know they've got injuries, but I go back to the first week of the season, where I said that if Arsenal bought a striker then I'd fancy them to win the league and if not then I didn't think they'd do it.

“Ultimately, injuries and a lack of striker has cost Arsenal, and that's the reason why when push came to shove, they haven't had enough. Only one shot on target against Nottingham Forest, from a set-piece, has shone a light on that.

“Either they couldn't get a striker in, or Mikel Arteta didn't want one, but whatever way around it's clear to see that Arsenal have made a huge error in that position.”

Four of Arsenal's six attacking options from the start of the season have been ruled out with long-term injuries. Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli are only expected to return to action at the end of this month and Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz have been ruled out for the rest of the season. With his options limited, Arteta has had to rely on 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri for inspiration and out-of-form Leandro Trossard and Raheem Sterling to provide threat. Despite his two goals against Leicester, Spanish midfielder Mikel Merino has struggled as an auxiliary number nine. With Sterling returning to Chelsea after his loan, there is no doubt that the Gunners require some more firepower in the summer.

The Gunners are not in action this weekend after already being knocked out of the FA Cup but return next week against PSV in the Champions League. Mikel Arteta's side have failed to score in their previous two games and will be eager to make amends in the Netherlands. With the Premier League all but out of reach, Arsenal's last chance at silverware will have to come in the form of European success.