Jamie Carragher believes Arsenal need to acquire two more top-class forwards in order to push for the biggest honours in 2025.

He reckons Bukayo Saka - now out for at least two months with a hamstring injury - has been shouldering most of the attacking burden under Mikel Arteta and needs help. The winger's absence may impact Arsenal’s January transfer plans.

Saka is the club’s most productive outlet, tallying nine goals and 13 assists so far this season. Arteta has left the door open for potential arrivals next month albeit has made no promises that there will be any fresh faces.

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“Let’s see how we get there, hopefully the squad is going to be in a much healthier position than it is right now, but who knows?” Arteta said on Saturday.

“We are prepared if we need to do something, we’re capable of doing something, but then that transfer window is very tricky and difficult to control. The opportunities are very limited but we’ll be there.”

Carragher says Arteta’s general focus on making Arsenal defensively sound has inadvertently neglected the need for more top quality attacking options. He reckons the team needs rejuvenating in the final third over the next few transfer windows.

“Regardless of whether they miss out this season, Arsenal will need to freshen up in 2025,” Carragher wrote in his Telegraph column. “They are short in attacking areas when compared to Liverpool and Chelsea.

“Where Slot has five attackers to choose from when everyone is fit – and many of them are of a different profile – Arteta has been too reliant on the same players, none more so than Bukayo Saka.

“Every side would miss a player of his class, but the reaction to Saka’s hamstring injury shows he has carried too much responsibility. Arteta needs at least two more top attacking players.

“I am not talking about back-ups in the event of injury, but starters who will keep the opposition manager guessing as to what the starting XI will be.”

Carragher continued: “For the last few transfer windows Arteta has prioritised defenders. The theme of this season is whether the balance has tipped too far that way.

“It is a fair argument that something has been lost in attack in making Arsenal a more resolute side. The next phase of their development is to add goals while maintaining the security at the back which has been there recently.”