Mikel Arteta’s transfer setback becomes evident as an Arsenal legend is proven right on both fronts.

Mikel Arteta is now regretting his failure to sign a striker, especially after being warned about the injury crisis that has hit Arsenal hard.

The Gunners have lost Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus to season-ending injuries, while Bukayo Saka has been sidelined since December, and Gabriel Martinelli has also been ruled out temporarily. With limited attacking options, their Premier League title challenge has faltered, leaving them 13 points behind leaders Liverpool, though they have a game in hand.

Arteta attempted to bolster his attack by bringing in Raheem Sterling on loan from Chelsea last summer, but the winger has struggled, contributing just three goals and failing to make a significant impact. Meanwhile, the sales of Eddie Nketiah to Crystal Palace for £25m and Emile Smith Rowe to Fulham for £27m, along with Reiss Nelson’s loan move to the same club, further weakened the squad’s depth.

Arsenal legend Alan Smith initially praised the club’s business, acknowledging the financial benefits. However, he also expressed concerns about their lack of depth in the striker position, especially given Gabriel Jesus’ injury record. Smith noted last September that Arsenal were taking a risk by relying on a thin attacking lineup and warned that an injury crisis could prove costly.

Despite links to Newcastle’s Alexander Isak and RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko last summer, Arsenal didn’t secure a new striker. Their attempt to sign Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins in January also failed, with a £60m bid rejected. Smith admitted that while Arteta wanted reinforcements, the right target wasn’t available.

Now, with Havertz also sidelined, Smith’s fears have come true. Arsenal’s title hopes have faded, making a third consecutive runners-up finish likely. While Arteta has transformed the club’s culture, the Champions League now appears to be his only realistic shot at adding silverware to his FA Cup triumph.