- Arsenal have had problems in front of goal in recent games under Mikel Arteta
- Rio Ferdinand has named the striker they should try to sign this month
- LISTEN NOW: It's all starting! available wherever you get your podcasts. New episodes every Monday and Thursday.
Rio Ferdinand has urged Arsenal to make a surprise loan deal in January to solve their problems in front of goal.
Arsenal's season is in danger of unraveling after they were beaten 2-0 by Newcastle in the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final last week, then lost on penalties to Manchester United in the FA Cup on Sunday.
Mikel Arteta's side had almost 50 shots on target across the two games but only scored once, with Kai Havertz coming under fire after missing a number of chances.
Fans have been calling for the Gunners to sign a striker to increase their contribution and chase Liverpool in the title race, and Ferdinand has now made a bold claim about who they should target.
“I would go after (Karim) Benzema,” Ferdinand told TNT Sports ahead of the north London derby between Arsenal and Tottenham.
—I would say give me a six-month loan, Benzema. Have that! Arsenal fans, where are you?
Rio Ferdinand has named the striker Arsenal should try to sign this month
Ferdinand believes Arsenal should try to sign Karim Benzema until the end of the season
Fans called on Mikel Arteta to bring in a striker to solve Arsenal's problems in front of goal.
Benzema currently plays in the Saudi Pro League after joining Al-Ittihad in July 2023.
He also turned 37 last month, but Ferdinand still believes he has the quality to make a difference for Arsenal.
It has been just over two years since Benzema won the Ballon d'Or after leading Real Madrid to Champions League and LaLiga glory in 2022, but he has since left the Spanish giants.
Meanwhile, Ally McCoist had another striker in mind and chose Victor Osimhen, on loan at Galatasaray from Napoli, as a suitable option.
“I'd pick Osimhen,” McCoist said. “He's still scoring goals in Türkiye. His form is not what it was 18 months ago with Napoli, but I think he can get back there.”
Peter Crouch agreed with McCoist but admitted Newcastle's Alexander Isak should be the number one target.
“Osimhen would be a great shout,” Couch said. “Isak, pay what you want, for me he is the man who would change many clubs.”
