Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal haven’t been at their fluent best so far this season (Picture: Getty)

Emmanuel Petit has lamented Arsenal’s lack of creativity this season and fear Mikel Arteta may have already sold the ‘solution’ to his problems.

The Gunners are already five points adrift of pacesetters Manchester City following last Sunday’s 2-2 draw against Liverpool and cannot afford any more slip-ups against Newcastle and Chelsea before the international break.

Injuries to the likes of skipper Martin Odegaard have had a major impact on recent performances with former Arsenal midfielder Petit fearing the Norwegian’s absence is having a detrimental impact on Declan Rice.

Arsenal did add Mikel Merino to their ranks in the summer transfer window but Petit hasn’t been overly impressed by the Spain international thus far and fears Arteta will ultimately regret parting company with Emile Smith Rowe who joined Fulham after being deemed surplus to requirements.
Mikel Arteta will want midfielders who can control the tempo of the game, Declan Rice can’t do this at the moment. I understand the criticism towards Rice from the fans. But, I think Rice has gotten worse since Martin Odegaard had his injury. Rice needs Odegaard as an option to pass forward to.

‘Arsenal need an attacking midfielder, it’s the position they’re missing at the moment,’ Petit told Jeffbet.

‘When it’s Rice, Mikel Merino a...