Ex-Arsenal Star’s Stark Warning: Why a Missing 20-Goal Striker Could Derail Gunners’ Title Hopes
Arsenal’s quest to dethrone Manchester City might hinge on a crucial missing piece: a prolific striker. Former Arsenal defender William Gallas has cast a critical eye on the current squad, suggesting that Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus might not be clinical enough to secure the Premier League title.
The Key Issue
Despite a strong showing in the past two seasons, where Arsenal fell just short of City’s dominance, Gallas believes the Gunners need a striker who can consistently deliver 20 goals a season. “I’m confident Arsenal can win the title, but only if they secure a top-class striker who can score 20 goals in the Premier League,” Gallas told Genting Casino. “They came very close last season, but lacked that one player who could replicate Erling Haaland’s impact. Gabriel Jesus struggles with injuries and inconsistency, and while Kai Havertz has contributed, many of his goals came from penalties. They need someone more reliable.”
The Bigger Picture
Havertz and Jesus netted a combined 22 goals across all competitions last season, yet Haaland alone scored 38, with 27 in the Premier League. Acquiring a striker capable of such numbers is a costly endeavor, with transfer fees for top talent often soaring into the tens of millions. With the transfer window winding down, Arsenal’s ability to bring in a prolific forward remains uncertain.
As Mikel Arteta’s side prepares for their upcoming pre-season friendlies against Bayer Leverkusen and Lyon, the urgency to address this key issue grows. Arsenal’s Premier League campaign kicks off on August 17 against Wolves, and their title aspirations may well depend on how they navigate this crucial transfer window.
