Martin Keown believes that Arsenal’s strategy against Paris Saint-Germain was ‘ideal’, but they require a ‘poacher’ in the penalty area.

In a disappointing night for Arsenal, the absence of a clinical striker was keenly felt as they succumbed to a 2-1 defeat against Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Champions League, resulting in a 3-1 aggregate loss. Former Gunners defender Martin Keown has highlighted the need for “big recruitment” in the summer to address this glaring issue.

Mikel Arteta’s side struggled to find the back of the net, with PSG’s Fabian Ruiz and Achraf Hakimi scoring either side of the break to put the hosts in a commanding position. Although Bukayo Saka managed to pull one back for Arsenal, it was not enough to salvage their European dreams.

Keown, speaking to TNT Sports, praised Arteta’s tactical approach, noting that the manager had learned from the first leg where PSG had given Arsenal a lesson. “In the first 20 minutes of the first leg, PSG gave Arsenal a bit of a lesson and Arteta learned from that tonight and made sure he pressed really high,” Keown remarked.

He acknowledged the contributions of Declan Rice and Thomas Partey in midfield but pointed out that the lack of a “fox in the box” was detrimental. “It was just in that final third where you needed a fox in the box, someone who was going to really hurt them,” he said. “There were times when PSG were counter-attacking and had real pace, but Arsenal didn’t have the same weapons to hurt them with.”

Meanwhile, former Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere weighed in on the injury woes that have plagued the team this season. With key players like Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz sidelined, and Mikel Merino forced to play as a makeshift striker, Wilshere believes these absences cannot be overlooked.

“We’ve definitely spent some money. Maybe we could have spent more,” he stated. “But I think the big thing is injuries. I know some people will say ‘that’s an excuse’, but it’s not an excuse, it’s a fact.”

Wilshere also highlighted the importance of having leaders within the squad, referencing his own experiences in a team that lacked such figures. “That’s the answer to how they bounce back; they need those leaders, they need to make sure that this hurts, and they understand what they did wrong, and try to make it better next year.”

As Arsenal reflect on their Champions League exit, the focus will undoubtedly shift to the summer transfer window, where the club must act decisively to bolster their attacking options and ensure they are better equipped for the challenges ahead.