Arsenal winger Nicolas Pepe became the Gunners’ record signing in the summer, but he hasn’t exactly dazzled in his early weeks at the club.
Pepe became Arsenal’s record signing in the summer transfer window, with Unai Emery hoping that the Ivorian would improve his side’s attack.
But Bowyer, who is currently in charge at Charlton Athletic in the Championship, claims that Emery made an oversight.
Bowyer feels that Arsenal should have been looking to tighten up their defence.
And he claims that the Gunners should have spent big on Harry Maguire, who eventually moved to Manchester United for £80 million (Guardian), rather than Pepe.
“Defensively they are frail, they concede too many goals,” Bowyer said.
“Their centre-halves have been a problem for years.
“It’s not just been this season, it’s been for a while now, but they would rather spend £75 million on a winger than a centre-back.
“Maguire would have been perfect for them, why didn’t they get him?”
Arsenal did bring in David Luiz in the summer, in the hope of tightening up their defence, but the Brazilian’s arrival doesn’t seem to have solved their problems.
Arsenal have still struggled to shut opposition sides out this season, particularly on their travels.
The Gunners are currently sat in fifth place in the Premier League table, with Emery coming under mounting pressure.
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