Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher has stressed that Arsenal need to improve if they are to enhance their chances of success in the Premier League.
Jamie Carragher pinpointed two specific areas where he believes the Gunners must focus their efforts: the left-wing position and the central striker role.
Currently, Arsenal find themselves in a somewhat precarious situation on the left side of the pitch. The competition for minutes is intense between Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli, neither of whom has yet established themselves as a definitive starter. This uncertainty hampers the team’s attacking fluidity and overall effectiveness on that flank.
In the central forward position, manager Mikel Arteta has been utilizing Kai Havertz. However, Carragher questions the effectiveness of Havertz in this role, suggesting he does not fit the mould of a traditional, out-and-out striker. Instead, Carragher expressed his belief that Arsenal are lacking a potent attacking presence that could bolster their title aspirations.
“I’ve always felt when I speak about Arsenal, I’ve never backed them to win the title, and the reason being I always felt they were an attacker short,” Carragher said.
“I don’t necessarily think it’s a striker. On that left side, they need an upgrade, whether that’s Martinelli or Trossard and Havertz up front. You think of those three players in two positions; they need something more than that, whether that’s through the middle or wide left.”
Adding to this discussion, former Manchester United star Dwight Yorke weighed in, advocating for Arsenal to make a significant move in the transfer market.
He encouraged the club to sign Newcastle United’s striker Alexander Isak if they are serious about competing for the Premier League title this season.
Yorke proposed that Arsenal should be prepared to table a substantial offer of £100 million for Isak when the January transfer window opens.
Yorke noted that Arsenal have struggled to clinch the Premier League title in recent years, finishing as runners-up in the last two seasons behind the formidable Manchester City.
He emphasized, “Everyone keeps banging on about Arsenal missing a number nine, and I do think there’s something to it. They are missing something.”
He expressed his frustration over Arsenal’s previous indecision in the transfer market, particularly regarding Isak, who had previously been at Real Sociedad.
“I can’t understand why Arsenal hesitated when they had the opportunity to sign Alexander Isak from Real Sociedad. They sat on their hands, and Newcastle swooped in and took him. That was ridiculous,” Yorke remarked.
Yorke concluded by urging Arsenal to take decisive action, stating, “If Arsenal want to win the Premier League title, they should go to Newcastle and bang £100 million on the table for Isak as soon as the January transfer window opens.”
Note that Arsenal are currently sitting in the third spot on the league table with 30 points in 16 games ahead of their clash with Crystal Palace scheduled for 6:30 p.m. later today, December 21.