Piers Morgan names shock striker who would 'score over 25 goals' and solve major Arsenal problem

Piers Morgan has suggested that Cristiano Ronaldo could have 'scored over 25 goals' for Arsenal this season, highlighting Mikel Arteta's 'one major blindspot' following a disappointing 2-0 defeat to Aston Villa. Despite being in the running for their first Premier League title since the 2003-04 season, Arsenal's recent home loss to Villa served as a reality check.

The Gunners were left frustrated by Unai Emery's side, who stunned the home crowd with two late goals from Leon Bailey and Ollie Watkins, handing the title race advantage to Pep Guardiola's Manchester City. While scoring hasn't been an issue for Arsenal this season, their goalless draw against Villa led outspoken Arsenal fan Morgan to identify their attack as a weak point.

He suggested that former Man United forward Ronaldo - currently playing for Saudi Arabian team Al-Nassr - would thrive under Arteta given the number of opportunities they create, and pointed out what he sees as the Spaniard's 'one major blindspot'.

In response to a fan jokingly suggesting he should 'ask Ronaldo to come help', Morgan replied: "I think @Cristiano would score 25+ goals a season in our team with the service he'd get. Arteta's refusal to prioritise a top striker is his one major blindspot."

Saka has been Arsenal's top scorer in the league this season with 14 goals, despite playing on the wing, followed by left-winger Leandro Trossard on 13 and midfielders Martin Odegaard and Kai Havertz, who each have 10. Arteta deployed Gabriel Jesus as his main centre forward against Villa.

However, the Brazilian has just eight goals this season, and has only netted 19 times since his £50m move from Man City in 2022. Morgan, who accused his beloved Gunners of 'choking' against Villa, also claimed the team would have won 3-0 if they had Watkins in their side.

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"Arsenal's lack of a proper striker has come back to haunt us. So many chances in first half, but none taken. If Watkins was playing for us, we'd have won this 3-0."

Morgan's affinity for Ronaldo comes after the five-time Ballon d'Or winner gave a bombshell interview to the presenter in late 2022, accusing Man United of 'betraying' him and claiming he had no respect for old boss Erik ten Hag. The interview would be crucial in sealing his exit from Old Trafford by mutual consent, paving the way for him to join Al-Nassr shortly after.

At the end of last season, Morgan claimed if the club signed Ronaldo after he left the Red Devils, they would have won the title instead of City. He penned: "Mock all you like, but if we’d signed Ronaldo when he left Utd, until the end of the season - as he was keen to do btw - we would have won the League. He knows how to win major trophies, and how to score goals when it really matters."