Arsenal's scouting and failure to strengthen up front

[BBC] In the second part of a special Q&A, Arsenal reporter Alex Howell weighs up whether not bringing in a world-class forward could cost Mikel Arteta's side back-to-back Premier League titles or the Champions League. Richard asked: Are the reports of the sporting director not using the club scouts true? If so, what's the point in the club investing in all of the backroom staff if they aren't being used properly? Alex: It is true that Andrea Berta is not as outgoing or as open as Edu, but he still involves others in the work he is doing. It might not be as much as his predecessors, but Berta does still lean on the scouts for some of the work he needs done. [Getty Images] Ivor asked: Do you think not strengthening the forward line will cost us the Premier League and the Champions League? Alex: It is hard to say without seeing Arsenal's route or how they get on as the tournament progresses, but it is fair to say that it is a disappointment for them to not bring in a world-class forward after becoming champions. They did try, pursuing Vinicius Jr and Julian Alvarez, but those deals are hard to do. They have incredible depth but I would agree they are missing a world-level star power in their frontline. Kai Havertz has picked up a suspected hamstring injury, and we saw last season that Viktor Gyokeres had to play the majority of the games when he was out injured before. But Mikel Merino is fit again and he is also a good option to lead the line. Come back to this page later on Friday for the final part of the Q&A, which will look at Arsenal's ability to spend in the January transfer window.