Former Wimbledon midfielder Robbie Earle has now cautioned Arsenal against doing one thing in the upcoming summer transfer window.
Arsenal are known to be on the lookout for a new striker.
Although Kai Havertz has shone for Arsenal in this role in recent weeks, the Gunners arguably lack reliable depth in this part of the pitch.
Gabriel Jesus has endured a difficult campaign in front of goal, having only netted four times in the Premier League, and is still suffering with the lingering effects of a knee injury he sustained mid-way through last season. Arsenal are now said to be open to offers for Jesus.
Mikel Arteta has lost faith in Eddie Nketiah. The Hale End academy graduate has fallen way down the pecking order at the Emirates Stadium since the turn of the year. Nketiah is one of thirteen Arsenal players who may leave the club this summer.
Meanwhile, whilst Leandro Trossard has been in spectacular form, he is preferred on the left flank, rather than as the spearhead of the Gunners’ attack.
Arsenal have been linked with a host of strikers. Recently, Newcastle United forward Alexander Isak has been linked with a potential switch to North London.
Arsenal warned against striker signing in light of Kai Havertz form
There is certainly an argument that Arteta could do with adding an out-and-out goalscorer to his ranks. For all of his quality, Havertz is not the most clinical finisher. What’s more, whilst Arsenal have scored more goals than any other Premier League side this season, there have been matches where the lack of a truly lethal focal point at the top of the pitch has cost them.
However, Robbie Earle has now warned the Spanish coach against making a big money move for a star striker this summer.
Speaking on The 2 Robbies podcast, the pundit said: “Some teams are better not having a main centre-forward who you build everything around and then he gets his 25 goals and every one else gets 6, 7, or 8. I think Arsenal are a better football team with having Havertz, who can be part of that football build up and controlling possession, than the guy who sits at the top end of the pitch and scores goals.
“I’m just a little bit fearful that if that player comes in and isn’t able to be part of the build up, it might take a little something away from Arsenal.”
Is a new striker still a top priority for Arsenal?
Arsenal likely have a big transfer window ahead of them.
On top of outgoings, there are plenty of areas of Arteta’s squad in need of reinforcement. Arsenal are expected to sign two goalkeepers, back up for Bukayo Saka is needed, and a midfield overhaul is also on the cards, as Jorginho ad Thomas Partey are both in the twilight years of their careers.
It has been suggested that the form of Havertz has already prompted a re-think of Arsenal’s striker recruitment plans. It could be, then, that Earle’s warning has already been taken into consideration in North London.
