Mikel Arteta Told to Ditch 'Nowhere Near World-Class' Regular from Arsenal Line-Up
Now that the January transfer window is just around the corner, Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta will be under increasing pressure to boost his team, with an area already identified that urgently requires attention. The Gunners' ex-captain, William Gallas, has thus challenged Arteta to be adventurous and change Kai Havertz, who he feels is not good enough for a title-challenging Arsenal team.
Havertz's Struggles and Arsenal's Title Hopes
Kai Havertz arrived at the Emirates in the summer of 2023 for a hefty £65 million deal from Chelsea, but his transition to the Gunners has been far from smooth. Havertz had been leading the line for Arsenal this season, scoring just four goals in the Premier League, leaving the team among the lowest scorers in the top six. With Arsenal now trailing nine points behind leaders Liverpool, it is becoming increasingly evident that the Gunners' attacking problems need to be sorted, and the January transfer window can be an ideal time for Arteta to bolster his forward line.
Gallas Calls for Change: Havertz to be Replaced by Osimhen
William Gallas, who captained Arsenal while playing for the club, has never shied away from speaking about his skepticism regarding the role of Havertz in the team. He told in an interview recently that Havertz is not good enough to lead the line for any club with Premier League title aspirations.
"Havertz is a good player, but he’s not top class. I’m sorry, but he’s nowhere near a world-class level. Arsenal need a player to replace him at striker," Gallas said in an interview with Genting Casino.
The former centre-back also suggested that Arsenal should make an attempt to sign Napoli striker Victor Osimhen, who he thinks would be a perfect fit for the club. "I still don't understand why Victor Osimhen is at Galatasaray. Arsenal need a striker like Osimhen, the club needs to wake up, it's obvious and simple they need a striker," he added.
Gallas went on to compare Arsenal's current situation to that of their rivals, Manchester City and Liverpool. "If you have the same starting XI every week, then the performance levels will drop. All the Man City players are international players, and even the ones on the bench, that's the level Arsenal need to reach."
Arteta's Support for Havertz
No matter the harsh words of Gallas, Mikel Arteta has been stalwartly behind Havertz, going as far as publicly backing him as an integral part of his squad. Having Havertz score in Arsenal's 4-0 win over Southampton early this October, Arteta spoke to the German's value on and off the pitch.
"I think he's an amazing role model," Arteta said. "The way he behaves every day, the way he is as a person, the way he lives his life, how much he loves to play football, to compete. Again, part of that at this level is to handle and manage difficult situations."
While Arteta may be convinced that Havertz can find the back of the net in important games, he also knows the German international is running out of time if he wants to convince him that the Gunners should continue fighting with him as their top striker. The January transfer window is approaching, and whether Arteta will take Gallas' advice and make a move for another striker remains to be seen.
With Arsenal continuing to chase the top place in the Premier League, all eyes will be on what Arteta does next. Will he stick with Havertz, or will the transfer window see a new forward to spearhead the charge? Only time will tell.
What do you think, should Arsenal replace Havertz, or should Arteta continue to stick by the German forward? Let us know in the comments below!*
Mikel Arteta, Arsenal title hopes, Kai Havertz, Premier League title challenge, January transfer window, Arsenal squad upgrade, William Gallas Arsenal, Victor Osimhen transfer news, Arsenal striker options, Arsenal transfer rumors, Arsenal's attacking issues, Premier League striker market, Havertz struggles Arsenal
