Rio Ferdinand advises Arsenal on how to address their problem position, leaving fans surprised by his bold recommendation.

Rio Ferdinand has urged Arsenal to sign a former Real Madrid star to address their issues up front.

On Wednesday, Arsenal came from behind to secure a 2-1 victory over Tottenham at the Emirates. With Gabriel Jesus sidelined due to a serious knee injury sustained during the FA Cup loss to Manchester United, Kai Havertz led the line in his absence.

With only one fit striker, Mikel Arteta may look to the transfer market for a new No.9 to strengthen the squad for the second half of the season.

Ahead of the North London derby, Darren Fletcher, Ally McCoist, and Ferdinand discussed Arsenal’s attacking dilemma. Fletcher asked McCoist and Ferdinand who they believed Arsenal should target to boost their firepower.

McCoist told TNT Sports:
“They need a goalscorer, plain and simple. Havertz is getting some criticism, but it’s a bit unfair—he’s not a natural striker. He’s more likely to score goals from the left or as a No.10 than as a No.9. With the chances Arsenal create, a true six-yard box predator would thrive.”

The Scot suggested Victor Osimhen, currently on loan at Galatasaray from Napoli:
“I’d go and get Osimhen. He’s still scoring goals in Turkey. His form isn’t what it was with Napoli 18 months ago, but he can get back to that level.”

Ferdinand, on the other hand, proposed Karim Benzema, now playing for Al Ittihad in Saudi Arabia:
“I’d go for Benzema. Ask for a six-month loan deal and bring him in.”

However, Ferdinand’s suggestion of Benzema didn’t sit well with Arsenal fans on social media. One user on X (formerly Twitter) commented:
“The other two couldn’t stop laughing when Rio said Benzema, no thanks.”

Another wrote:
“We’ve been chasing him for 10 years.”

A third added:
“He’s not what we need—he’s past his prime.”

Benzema, who scored an incredible 354 goals during his legendary Real Madrid career, joined the Saudi Pro League side after leaving Spain.