Arsenal legend Emmanuel Petit has revealed the three crucial signings Mikel Arteta must secure in the January transfer window to revive the Gunners’ season. Petit, however, has voiced frustration with Gabriel Martinelli’s recent performances, citing the winger’s inconsistency and lack of cutting-edge in front of goal.
The Gunners, once title challengers, have struggled to replicate the consistency that kept them competitive against Manchester City in recent seasons. Dropping points in nine of their 20 Premier League games, they now sit six points behind leaders Liverpool, who also have a game in hand.
Adding to Arsenal’s woes, a 2-0 defeat to Newcastle in the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final has left their chances of lifting silverware this season hanging by a thread.
During the January transfer window, Arsenal have been linked with several players. Petit believes they need “at least” three signings, including a striker, a left-winger, and an attacking midfielder, to address glaring weaknesses in the squad.
Arsenal’s struggles upfront have been well-documented, with Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus failing to deliver consistently. Petit suggested Alexander Isak as a potential target, but Newcastle United’s astronomical £150m valuation of the forward presents a major hurdle.
Petit expressed growing frustration with Martinelli’s performances. Despite flashes of brilliance, the winger has struggled to hit double figures in goals across multiple seasons and has missed several key opportunities this term.
“Arsenal don’t just need a striker; they need three or four players,” Petit told DisCasino. “They still need a left-winger, a striker, and an attacking midfielder. But January is a tough window—it’s hard to find quality players at reasonable prices. And Arteta isn’t one to spend absurd amounts on players.”
Among the players Petit has suggested is Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford. The England international recently hinted at seeking “a new challenge” and has been tentatively linked with Arsenal. Petit believes Rashford could thrive under Arteta’s management and provide the kind of competition Arsenal desperately need in attack.
“Rashford would be an interesting signing for Arsenal,” Petit said. “I’m frustrated with Martinelli right now—he’s inconsistent and often invisible on the pitch. Arsenal needs quality options off the bench, like Liverpool has.”
Petit also commented on the rumored interest in Nico Williams but dismissed the possibility of the Athletic Bilbao star joining the Premier League. He believes Williams would only move to Barcelona if he left Spain.
Meanwhile, Arsenal’s gamble on Raheem Sterling hasn’t worked, leaving Arteta with limited options. Petit argued that a rejuvenated Rashford could deliver at Arsenal if placed in the right environment with a manager who trusts him.
“Rashford isn’t the player he was two years ago, but we all know his potential. Quality like that doesn’t just disappear,” Petit added.
The Gunners face a critical stretch of the season. An FA Cup clash against Manchester United looms this weekend, followed by a high-stakes North London derby against Tottenham. Arsenal also face top-four rivals Aston Villa and aim to secure automatic qualification to the Champions League knockout stages.
With Arsenal’s season on a knife-edge, Arteta will need to act decisively in the transfer market to address the team’s weaknesses and reignite their campaign.
