‘Will end up being on the bench’ - Jamie Carragher makes bold claim amid reports Arsenal want no. 9
Arsenal are in the market for a new striker ahead of the summer transfer window following a disappointing campaign which saw them end up without a trophy.
The Gunners have been linked with the likes of RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko, his Sporting CP counterpart Viktor Gyokeres and Newcastle United hitman Alexander Isak, but a potential deal for the Magpies star looks to be off the cards.
Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike is also believed to be on their radar and more names are expected to emerge in the coming weeks, but Jamie Carragher does not see anyone Arsenal sign as their new number 9 benching Kai Havertz.
“We all know Arsenal want to sign a striker, don’t we?” the Sky Sports pundit said.
“This striker is the answer to all their problems. I don’t think that striker will be the answer to their problems.
“And I think whoever that striker is, eventually in the season will end up being on the bench and Havertz will play instead of him.
“Havertz is very important to how Mikel Arteta wants to play.”
Havertz has proven to be a valuable addition to the Arsenal attacker due to his versatility and style of play, fitting seamlessly into the plans of Arteta.
However, the Spaniard is convinced an upgrade is needed in the striking position, but whether he can get a player capable of delivering the goods in other areas apart from in front of goal as the Germany international does remains to be seen.
Injuries have seen Havertz miss 22 games this term, which came with consequences as the North Londoners ended up struggling in the Premier League and Champions League when it mattered most.
Arteta cannot rely only on Gabriel Jesus, Havertz and the makeshift Mikel Merino next season after how this campaign went, and Arsenal must ensure they sign a striker who is capable of getting the needed goals and adapting to the demands of Arteta.
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