By Paul Robinson

14th Nov, 2023 | 11:41am

'I genuinely believe...' - Pundit shares 'massive' Arsenal claim that will raise eyebrows

Arsenal need a 25-goal-a-season striker to reach the levels of Man City.

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, former Leeds and England goalkeeper Paul Robinson did not back either Gabriel Jesus or Eddie Nketiah to hit these numbers for the Gunners.

As revealed by Football Insider (8 November), Chelsea are leading the pack to sign Brentford’s Ivan Toney as Arsenal do not want to overpay for the £70million-valued forward.

Jesus has bagged four goals this season, but just one in the Premier League amid his injury problems while Nketiah, who has featured in all the Gunners’ league games, has scored five including a hattrick against Sheffield United.

Robinson is very impressed with Arsenal’s progression under Mikel Arteta and claims they are on the cusp of greatness.

“I’ve said it from the start that their recruitment this summer has been excellent,” he told Football Insider.

“Declan Rice, massive, he looks like he’s been there for five or six years. He’s fitted straight into the side.

“The manager has been a real good fit as well. If you look at Arteta, his infectiousness, his bubbliness, his character.

“You’ve got that passion and drive – that’s how he runs a dressing room. If the club don’t back him with transfers, you’ll lose that.

“In terms of a striker, I’ve said since the start of the season that they’re a 25-goal-a-season man away from winning the league.

“They are serious title contenders again. They’ve got the depth this year and have proved they can compete in the Champions League and Premier League.

“Jesus has been outstanding, but he doesn’t do it regularly. Nketiah isn’t going to score 25 goals a season although he is a top-class player.

“I genuinely believe Arsenal are that striker away from being on par with Man City.”

In other news, Arsenal response to Chelsea swoop for Aaron Ramsdale revealed.