Arsenal legend: This player would win Wenger the Premier League

Posted by

Ex-Arsenal centre-back Martin Keown believes Arsene Wenger will really regret missing out on Luis Suarez when he was at Liverpool, and insists the Uruguayan would win Arsenal the league if he was there right now, as per his Daily Mail column.

As the article suggests, Wenger lodged a bid £1 over Suarez’s release clause, a move that was not well received by Liverpool. Despite the release clause being met, football politics saw the South American striker remain on Merseyside. He eventually made the switch to Barcelona, and on Wednesday night he was among the goals as the La Liga giants put Arsenal to the sword.

Keown believes Suarez is exactly the player his former side needs, and the Arsenal legend’s opinion is probably shared by many, many Arsenal fans.

“Arsenal have always worked within budgets and their decision making is always very pragmatic,” he wrote.

“But if he [Suarez] had gone to Arsenal and was still there I’m sure he’d be banging the goals in and Arsenal would be winning the league. He almost won it for Liverpool and is now proving his value at Barcelona.

“Arsenal need a player like that. What was obvious last night to me was Barcelona’s ruthlessness in front of goal.

“OK, [Mohamed] Elneny’s finish was ruthless but when you get an opportunity you have to hit the back of the net. That’s where the true class is.”

Suarez would unquestionably have brought a huge amount to Arsenal, as they’ve badly needed a top striker over the last few years. Olivier Giroud has done a decent job leading the line – with a very respectable goals return – but if the Gunners are serious about challenging for the highest honours they need something more.

We’ve obviously seen the quality Suarez possesses before, with the controversial forward almost singlehandedly dragging Liverpool over the line in the Premier League. His goalscoring prowess was on display once again in the Champions League, and his impossible looking volley was essentially the goal that put to rest any slim hopes Arsenal had of progressing.

SEE MORE:
Arsenal transfer news

Suarez himself is obviously unlikely to be available any time soon, and it’s hard to see him even wanting to make the switch to Arsenal after enjoying such success with Barcelona. That doesn’t mean Wenger should stop looking for a top quality striker though, as it’s an issue that badly needs addressing. Missing out on the title to Leicester or Tottenham – which seems inevitable at this point – should be a real eye opener for the Arsenal board, and perhaps their fans will see more movement in the transfer window this summer.

More Stories Arsenal FC Arsene Wenger FC Barcelona Luis Suarez Martin Keown