Jay Bothroyd says Romelu Lukaku ‘isn’t the guy’ for Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal as the Inter star is set to return to Chelsea from his loan spell in the summer.
The 30-year-old might return to Chelsea colours as a European Cup winner because Inter will lock horns with Manchester City in the Champions League final in Istanbul next month.
But there has been talk about Romelu Lukaku’s future and suggestions by some that Arsenal should look to bring him in, former Hale-End star Bothroyd was having none of it, as he posted on Twitter.
Gabriel Jesus is Arsenal’s main number nine, with Eddie Nketiah, who filled in during the Brazil star’s injury following the 2022 Qatar World Cup, as the backup option.
Not forgetting Folarin Balogun, who is thriving on loan at French side Reims, but there are suggestions he could leave himself upon his return.
But with Champions League football returning to the Emirates, the forward line needs boosting, as Bothroyd explained why Lukaku, who was sold by Manchester United in 2019, doesn’t have the skill set to fill that role.
WHAT STRIKER SHOULD ARSENAL SIGN THIS SUMMER?
Yes, the likes of Nketiah and Balogun might leave, but this isn’t a case of Arteta needing to replace Jesus in the XI, but bring in competition.
There are some question marks over that striker role, mainly that the individuals that have played in that position aren’t out-and-out goalscorers.
So, if Arsenal dip into the market for a new striker, then it has to be a proven player with a strong goalscoring record, Lukaku has the numbers, but he isn’t the answer to the club’s issues.
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