Ian Wright believes it is ‘imperative’ for Arsenal to sign the £ 45m Houssem Aouar target after Liverpool defeat

Ian Wright has urged Arsenal to sign Lyon midfielder Houssem Aouar, with the Gunners icon insisting that it is “imperative” that Mikel Arteta land his man before the transfer window closes.

Arteta’s team entered Monday’s game with Liverpool in good shape, but the Premier League champions showed they are on a completely different level, with Jurgen Klopp’s team running out of winners 3-1 at Anfield.

The new Arsenal manager is desperate for a midfielder to bolster his options this season, with Aouar and Atletico Madrid star Thomas Partey strongly linked with a move to North London.

Ian Wright says it is ‘imperative’ that Arsenal sign Houssem Aouar after Liverpool defeat

The Gunners icon said Monday’s loss ‘felt like a training game’ with the gap in quality clear.

The Gunners have struggled with budget issues this summer, with the need to generate funds that prevent Arteta from achieving his goals for the most part.

However, Arsenal have stepped up their search for Aouar last week, and Lyon president Michel Aulas confirmed that they had received a ‘docile’ offer for the Gunners star. The French team is seeking a £ 45 million offer for the midfielder.

And Arsenal legend Wright has urged his former club to secure the signing of Aouar before the window closes, and the arrival of the Frenchman is seen as ‘imperative’ for Arteta’s team.

“It felt like a training game for Liverpool regarding Arsenal said you can try to get out, but we will put pressure on you,” Wright told Premier League Productions via Goal of Arsenal’s performance at Anfield.

Aouar, 22, has been heavily linked to Arsenal, amid talks over a £ 45 million move

Wright says Arsenal must sign the Lyon star if they want to close the gap with the champions

“You can see that in Liverpool everyone can advance because Arsenal were starting very deep but what was clear to me was that we did not have that person in the center of the field who felt comfortable enough with the ball until Ceballos entered.

‘[They need] someone to whom they can pass the ball, who is comfortable to receive it with someone on their back, who can get it out, who can turn it around the corner. From there, Arsenal can play but we can’t do it at the moment.

That is why it is imperative that we obtain Aouar de Lyon. He’s someone who can catch the ball and get the forwards going. You saw the chances that Ceballos made when he came in, that’s what Arsenal need. ‘

The 22-year-old could well be the missing piece to link Arsenal’s midfield and attack, and his creativity will likely help unleash players like Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexander Lacazette.

Mikel Arteta has been desperate for reinforcements in midfield this summer transfer market

Aouar scored nine goals and provided 10 assists in 41 games for Rudi Garcia’s team last season, and was instrumental in reaching the semi-finals of the Champions League.

“What we’ve seen is that Arsenal can hold 3-1, but in pre-Arsenal times they really fell apart with Unai Emery and in the later stages with Arsene Wenger,” added Wright. ‘They are much more organized now, but with the organization, they need the right pieces there.

‘If they can’t get that player, this is what will happen. We can beat players like Fulham, but when it comes to that type of team (Liverpool), you will see Arsenal fight. ”