Nwankwo Kanu says need to strengthen in ‘almost every position’ ahead of their return to the .
While Arsenal are still chasing for the title, they have already .
Kanu knows only too well the gruelling nature of Europe’s top club competition, having reached back-to-back Champions League finals with Ajax and lifting the trophy in 1995.
The Arsenal ‘Invincible’ believes ‘almost every position’ needs to be strengthened for his former club to compete in Europe and highlighted the Gunners’ .
But despite issuing a transfer plea to Arsenal, Kanu is excited by the club’s progress under Mikel Arteta and says the current crop can ‘mark an era’ at the Emirates Stadium.
‘Next season Arsenal will make their big comeback in the Champions League,’ he told . ‘They want to compete in that competition and have a say in the games.
‘If this team remains as a whole, with the addition of some experienced players, it will remain competitive and continue to grow.
‘The squad needs to be even broader next season because the Champions League takes a lot of grit. Almost every position should be doubled [in strength].
‘You can see now that when a regular player is out of action for a few weeks, like William Saliba, then it gets a bit difficult for the squad.
‘I hope the current group will continue for a few more years, especially Ramsdale, Gabriel, Odegaard and Saka.
‘These are young and extremely talented players who identify fantastically with the club. All of these players can make their mark on an era at Arsenal.’
Arsenal led the Premier League title race for much of the season but now find themselves one point behind defending champions Manchester City.
Arteta’s side dropped points against Liverpool, West Ham and Southampton before being .
Arsenal bounced back with a but face another tricky fixture this weekend as they visit in-form Newcastle United.
Ex-Arsenal forward Jeremie Aliadiere is predicting a ‘very tough’ game for the Gunners but still expects his former club to keep the pressure on Man City with a narrow win.
‘It’s a top ground to go to, and with the form Newcastle United are in, it’s going to be tough for Arsenal,’ he told Betting.
‘When you look at the form Alexander Isak is in at the moment, and with William Saliba not there and Gabriel hobbling off the other night, you’re thinking it will be a tough game for the defence.
‘I’m sure Arteta knows that after losing their at the end of last season. That game cost us the Champions League so I’m sure he won’t take it lightly.Â
‘Arteta knows how tough it is to go there, but if they are to have any hope the Gunners need to win all their remaining games and count on help elsewhere. But it will be a much tougher game than last night.
‘I still back Arsenal to win, I think they’ll get a result but it will be tight. I could see us winning 2-1 as Arsenal unfortunately are not great at keeping clean sheets. Defensively, as good as they have been, we still seem to concede.’
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