• Premier League

Wenger admits he must buy striker

ESPN staff
April 30, 2012
Robin van Persie rescued a point for Arsenal against Stoke on Saturday © Getty Images
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Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger feels his side have been over-reliant on Robin van Persie for goals this season, and so will look so strengthen in the striking department over the summer.

Gunners skipper Van Persie, who claimed both the major individual end-of-season awards this month, has virtually single-handedly carried his team to third in the Premier League table following a dismal start to the campaign.

He scored his 35th goal of the season on Saturday to earn Arsenal a 1-1 draw with Stoke that keeps them in the driving seat to ensure guaranteed Champions League football next season.

The Gunners round off the season with a home fixture against Norwich, and an away trip to West Bromwich Albion in what could be Roy Hodgson's last game at The Hawthorns before taking the England manager's job.

Wenger has been linked with a summer swoop for Germany international forward Lukas Podolski, and the Frenchman admits there is a need to get the chequebook out.

"I think Van Persie has to push us over the line with two games remaining," Wenger said. "We have been over-relying on him for goals. It's something we have to address at the end of the season."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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