Paul Merson is concerned about Arsenal’s attacking depth and urges the club to strengthen it.
The Gunners are set to sell Eddie Nketiah, but they have just lost Gabriel Jesus to injury.
The Brazilian’s fitness has been unreliable, and he is often sidelined with injuries, which is why he has lost his first-team place to Kai Havertz.
Havertz has been a good striker for Arsenal, contributing to the team’s goal-scoring efforts, even if he hasn’t always been on the score sheet himself.
His role in the team facilitates opportunities for other attackers to score, and he fulfils his responsibilities effectively.
However, the German could face injury or suspension during this long season, and if Jesus is also injured at that time, Arsenal could find themselves in a difficult position.
Merson believes there are better scenarios for the club to consider and insists that the Gunners need to take action to address this issue.
He said on Sky Sports:
“Havertz, when he gets injured, they will be right up against it.
Adding: “They’d end up having to play a false nine.”
“You can get away with a false nine in two, three or four games, but you do not want to use it for two months.
“So, I think Arsenal would have to bring someone in.”
Just Arsenal Opinion
Going into a season with no recognisable natural number nine is not a good position to be in, but we trust Mikel Arteta.
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He’s not alone in that thinking. As the article says there’s no guarantee that Havertz will remain uninjured or not get suspended at some time or simply go through a dip in form as players do.
If there’s no proper cover – and I don’t think we can honestly say Jesus fits that description now – then Arsenal is taking a potentially huge gamble at the start of the club’s most important season for years.
We’re now into the window’s last day but this scenario is hardly a surprise, given the club’s aim of selling Eddie and on-going injuries to Jesus. Let’s hope Edu has another transfer rabbit to pull from his hat.