‘We have to’: Ian Wright sends message to Arsenal board with ‘massive’ Mikel Arteta statement

Arsenal legend Ian Wright has said that manager Mikel Arteta needs massive help with signings following the 2-2 Premier League draw against Aston Villa on Saturday.

The Gunners had a good start at the Emirates Stadium yesterday. They raced into a comfortable 2-0 lead before the hour mark. However, Villa made a terrific comeback to share the spoils.

Arsenal were defensively vulnerable in the injury absence of William Saliba. Arteta played Jurrien Timber in central defence with Thomas Partey slotting in at right-back.

Partey had a tough outing against the Villans, losing possession on 18 occasions.

Speaking after the game, Wright said that the manager needs massive help, and the hierarchy need to back him with some players before the transfer window closes.

The Arsenal favourite highlighted that the club required another forward even when Bukayo Saka was fit.

He told Premier League productions: “It’s a disappointment when 2-0 up at home. Looks like it’s comfortable.

“We know that Villa on the break can be a problem, they showed that.

“I think the manager needs massive help. We have to buy some players. Even when Saka was fit we needed another forward.”

Leandro Trossard, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Martinelli made goal contributions yesterday, but the Gunners lacked firepower off the bench to secure a much-needed win.

Raheem Sterling was the only senior attacking option for Arteta. The England international has yet to get up to speed after recovering from a short-term knee injury.

Arteta desperately needs more attacking reinforcement before the transfer deadline. A marquee striker and a right-sided winger must be signed over the next 15 days.

Arsenal don’t want to spend big money this winter with Profit and Sustainability Rules in mind, but the title race could be genuinely over if they don’t bolster the squad.

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