Gary Lineker has recommended that Arsenal focus on signing Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap following their FA Cup penalty shootout loss to Manchester United at the Emirates Stadium.
Mikel Arteta is under increasing pressure to bring in a new forward during the January transfer window. The Gunners wasted key opportunities during their defeat, which has reignited calls for a reliable goal scorer.
Arsenal has long admired Alexander Isak, but Newcastle United’s valuation of £150 million for the Swedish forward, who has scored 10 goals in his last nine matches, presents a major obstacle.
Instead, Lineker suggests targeting promising talent. He pointed to 21-year-old Delap, signed by Ipswich for £20 million, as a viable option. Delap has impressed with eight Premier League goals this season and could provide Arsenal with fresh attacking firepower.
During BBC Sport’s analysis of the match, Alan Shearer stressed the importance of addressing Arsenal’s forward position, remarking, “This issue has been evident since the start of the season. Without investing in this role, it could cost them the league.” Lineker agreed, highlighting Arsenal’s ongoing need for a dependable striker.
Micah Richards, however, advocated for a more immediate solution, proposing Victor Osimhen. The Napoli striker, currently on loan in Türkiye, nearly joined Chelsea last summer and has proven himself in the Champions League. Richards commented, “It’s not easy to find a No. 9, but Osimhen could provide short-term impact.”
Lineker countered that a young talent like Delap might be the smarter choice long-term, as once players establish themselves, they become significantly more expensive.
Richards acknowledged this but emphasized Arsenal’s need for urgency, stating, “Arsenal’s focus is often on the future, but they need to act now. Delap is talented, but they also need an experienced striker who can deliver immediately.”
Richards further noted Arsenal’s current struggles, including injuries to key players like Bukayo Saka and Ethan Nwaneri, as well as a decline in expected goals from open play.
He concluded, “A striker with natural instinct, someone who doesn’t need many chances to score, could change their season—just as Erling Haaland has done for Manchester City.”
This discussion highlights Arsenal’s pressing dilemma: whether to invest in an established striker for instant results or a promising talent to secure their future.