Mikel Arteta has been warned that Arsenal's attack is still looking light despite the addition of Gabriel Jesus this summer. The Brazilian star started pre-season with a bang, scoring seven goals in five games after joining from Manchester City.
However, in the last year the Gunners have seen both former captains Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette leave the club, and the club have been warned that any injuries to the attacking line this season could put them in serious trouble amid their quest to bring Champions League football back to the Emirates Stadium this season.
Arsenal started the season positively, winning away at Crystal Palace with Gabriel Martinelli opening the scoring before Bukayo Saka forced an own goal from Marc Guehi to seal the points for Arteta's side. And up next is a clash against Leicester City in North London.
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Arteta will get a chance to take a close look at Youri Tielemans on Saturday afternoon, with the midfielder linked to Arsenal all summer - though Leicester attacker Harvey Barnes is one of three stars to miss out. And while the Gunners are predicted to come out on top against the Foxes by pundits, former Arsenal star Paul Merson has warned that further reinforcements may be required if they're to compete with the likes of Chelsea and Tottenham in the race for the top four.
"I'm worried for Leicester this season," Merson told Sportskeeda. "There's too much going on at the club. Maddison and Fofana have their heads turned at the moment, and Kasper Schmeichel's departure is a massive loss for the team.
"They blew a 2-0 lead against Brentford and might lose quite a few players in the transfer market this month. I don't see how they can keep a clean sheet this weekend.
"The front four look lively for Arsenal. They've got everything between them and if they stay fit, Arsenal are going to have a good Premier League season. If one of them gets injured, however, they're in trouble.
"I thought Arsenal were outstanding in their first 20 minutes against Crystal Palace. I was very impressed by them at times last week, and I think they should be able to win this game easily. Arsenal 3-0 Leicester."
Former Blackburn and Celtic striker Chris Sutton agrees that the Gunners will win, but sees the contest being a bit closer. He also states that while Gabriel Jesus has improved the attack and excitement is high about their prospects, there is a need to be wary.
"All does not seem well at Leicester, who have still not made any signings this summer," Sutton said in his BBC Sport predictions.
"They have still got some very good players but I get the sense Foxes boss Brendan Rodgers is not entirely happy with the situation and, on the pitch, they blew a two-goal lead against Brentford last week.
"In contrast, everything seems rosy at Arsenal at the moment. Their fans are getting very excited about what they could do this season.
"I don't want to jump on that bandwagon because I think their bubble will eventually burst a little bit, but I like what Gabriel Jesus has brought to their attack and, at home, I think they should edge this one. Arsenal 2-1 Leicester."
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