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Signing a midfielder the priority for Arsenal, says Charlie Nicholas

Charlie Nicholas thinks Arsenal could still win the title this season if they bolster their midfield before the transfer window closes.

The Gunners have stuttered in the early weeks of the Premier League campaign, winning just four points out of a possible nine.

Manager Arsene Wenger has hinted he is prepared to do a late deal if the right player becomes available before Tuesday's deadline.

But club legend Nicholas thinks it is vital the Gunners sign a defensive midfielder if the club is to maintain any hope of winning the title.

Nicholas told Sky Sports: "If you can get someone like Karim Benzema, I'd obviously go for him because he is better than what's already there, but I don't see them going for a striker and I would rather he (Wenger) went for a stronger presence in midfield.

"He should have moved for (Morgan) Schneiderlin. He should have gone for someone with the presence of mind that can handle things physically as well as technically in that area of the field.

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"There are a few players in the market across Europe that he could get but I just hope that he does it.

"(Francis) Coquelin is fine but you need another player of stature in that position. I'm hopeful, but I'm not convinced."

I think they need a midfield player. You can let five or six go forward but you need cover in front of the defence.
Charlie Nicholas on Arsenal

Soccer Saturday pundit Nicholas admitted he was disappointed by Arsenal's early-season form but believes a holding midfield player could be the final piece in the jigsaw.

"They've got great ability going forward, they are good on the eye but they are not clinical enough," explained Nicholas.

"I know they struggled defensively against Liverpool, but how much bad luck did they have losing both central defenders before kick-off? I know (Calum) Chambers struggled but I'm not as worried about that position that's why I think they need a midfield player. You can let five or six go forward but you need cover in front of the defence.  

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Charlie's Tips

Charlie's tipping Arsenal to return to form with a 3-1 win against Newcastle at 12/1 with Sky Bet

"(Santi) Cazorla is a lovely little player but he doesn't sit in, he's not controlled enough and he doesn't play a defensive role and because of that you're a man down in that defensive position, that's the one position if they managed to fill it I do seriously believe they could win the title."

Nicholas is confident the Gunners will get back to winning ways at St James' Park in the early kick-off on Saturday and is tipping a 3-1 win, but is calling for Olivier Giroud to be rested in favour of Theo Walcott.

He added: "He (Giroud) is not firing at all. He scored a lovely goal at Palace that should have given him a lift but his movement has been average, he looks a bit sluggish.

"Playing Walcott centre forward for Arsenal every week doesn't work but right now if I'm playing against defenders, with the attacking philosophy that Arsenal have, with Sanchez and Ozil, then Walcott starts."

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