Arsenal told signing centre-forward to replace Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is ‘urgent’ or they risk missing out on Champions League football

Former Arsenal left-back Nigel Winterburn has told his former club they urgently need to recruit a centre-forward to boost their Champions League hopes.

The north London outfit have been without striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang following the disciplinary action placed upon him by boss Mikel Arteta after failing to return from a planned trip abroad on the agreed date.

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Since the Frenchman was stripped of his captaincy and banished from the Arsenal team in December, Arteta's side have gone on to win four of their five Premier League fixtures, as well as advancing to the League Cup semi-finals.

However, Winterburn still believes the absence of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and a lack of depth in midfield means the Gunners must focus on recruiting in the current transfer window.

“In terms of positions that Arsenal need to strengthen, we need to add a midfielder and the Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang situation seems quite complicated," he told .

"So we are going to need another centre forward whether that’s now, or in the summer transfer window.

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“What I hear from Arsenal supporters is that the two positions they want filled are centre-midfield and a striker. We have been linked with players in those departments, and I totally agree with the supporters that we need those positions strengthened."

Arsenal's youthful squad has offered up plenty of attacking options in the games following Aubameyang's disciplinary action, with starlets Eddie Nketiah, Gabriel Martinelli and Emile Smith Rowe all finding the net.

Despite this, given Alexandre Lacazette's contract is set to expire in the summer and Arsenal were unable to score in the FA Cup defeat to Nottingham Forest, Winterburn still believes Arsenal must focus on bolstering their attacking options.

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"Looking at the game against Nottingham Forest, we need added reinforcements. Everybody needs a goal scorer anyway and everyone’s looking for that player who will get you 20+ goals a season and Arsenal are no different.

“At the start of the season, I didn’t think we could get Champions League football but that fourth spot is now open, and Arsenal have put themselves in a good position. I would say to the board that they need to back Mikel Arteta and get these players in if possible.

“Arsenal can’t survive the season with just one striker - it’s just too risky. With injuries, lack of form, and rotation, all factors, it’s just too much to ask. Arsenal are not in a position where they can play without a central striker.

"They aren’t anywhere near that yet so it would be very risky if it stays as it is with Aubameyang out from the team. The need for a centre-forward is now looking urgent.”