Arsenal told to sign Zaha or Saint-Maximin as Petit highlights squad depth issue

Arsenal should sign either Crystal Palace winger Wilfried Zaha or Newcastle forward Allan Saint-Maximin if they want to win the title, according to Emmanuel Petit.

The ex-Gunners midfielder has also revealed he doesn't currently think his former club will be able to finish top of the Premier League this season, but will be in the top four.

Arsenal have won eight out of their nine games in the top flight this season – including a 3-2 victory over Liverpool last weekend.

However, reigning Premier League champions Manchester City are hot on their tails, just one point off the north London side – and Petit thinks that winning the title will be a step too far for Arsenal's current squad given their fierce competition.

“I don't think Arsenal will win the title but they will definitely qualify for the Champions League and that is a big achievement considering where they were when Arteta came to the club,” Petit told Genting Casino.

“If they are to strengthen I think they need wingers because Saka, Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus have been great but they have no-one to replace them if they get injured.

“Emile Smith-Rowe is injured, Eddie Nketiah just signed a new contract but can he be the next striker if Jesus gets injured? My answer is no.”

Arsenal haven't won the title since 2004, back when the Gunners were still playing at their previous ground Highbury.

Petit played 115 games for Arsenal between 1997 and 2000, including the 1997/98 Premier League title winning side.

He thinks the Gunners could be in the title race should they bring in some more back-ups for their current stars.

And he's got a few ideal candidates in mind.

“All the big teams have big wingers. There's a few in England that would be my dream for Arsenal,” the 1998 World Cup winner said.

“Allan Saint-Maximin would be a great signing. Can you imagine the damage with all the players around him?

“Wilfried Zaha of Palace too would be great. But they also need a central midfielder and centre-back as I'm not too sure about Rob Holding.”

Both stars looks settled at their current clubs, however Zaha has previously been linked with a move to the Emirates.

So far this season, Zaha has netted four goals in seven appearances for Crystal Palace, whilst Newcastle star Saint-Maximin has also scored this season, firing against Wolves in August.

Arsenal travel to Bodo/Glimt this Thursday in the Europa League, looking to recreate their 3-0 victory against the Norwegian club at the Emirates last week.