Premier League legend Alan Shearer has said that Arsenal still need an out-and-out center forward if they are serious about challenging for the title this season.
The North London side have employed German international Kai Havertz as their number nine since his arrival from Chelsea last season but despite impressing in the position, Shearer insists they need a traditional number 9.
“I’ve been impressed with what I’ve seen from Havertz this season. In terms of being a traditional centre-forward, see Cole Palmer above,” Shearer said.
“Those things aren’t natural to him, but in terms of leading the line and bringing people into the game, he’s doing it and done it as well as he could, even if it has been a difficult few games for Arsenal.”
Mikel Arteta’s side have misfired recently and have failed to find the back of the net in their previous two games. They have been linked with quite a number of center forwards with the likes of Benjamin Sesko, Victor Osimhen and Victor Gyokeres linked to them in the previous transfer window.
“I haven’t changed my view since last season. They’ve got Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Jesus, but I’d still say they need an out-and-out centre-forward. They needed one in the summer. They still do now”, he continued.
Arsenal are currently preparing to face London rivals Chelsea in a super sunday Premier League fixture. The Gunners come into the game following back-to-back losses to Newcastle United and Inter Milan and will be hoping to bounce back to form when they face a resurgent blues side.
Olakitan is a young writer with a strong passion for sports, having gained experience with IndyPress and Nimelssa Press. His enthusiasm for sports inspired him to cover events both within his school and beyond. With a deep understanding of the game and a refined skillset, he brings sports coverage to a broad, global audience in a way that’s engaging and accessible.
