Tom Weber
Tom Weber
Updated: 7 Dec 2024 14:08 GMT
3 min read
Viktor Gyokeres, Sporting CP, 2024/25
© IMAGO
Lukas Podolski believes that Arsenal would be an even better team if they had a 'proper No.9' for Kai Havertz to play off of.
The Gunners have overcome their brief slump and are now once again right in the thick of a title challenge with Liverpool. Due to the Reds dropping points midweek against Newcastle while Arsenal beat Man Utd 2-0, Mikel Arteta and company cut their rivals' lead down to seven points.
However, earlier in the season, the fact that Arsenal did not sign a striker in the summer had led to some consternation. In the previous transfer window, the north London giants were interested in Benjamin Sesko but gave up their centre-forward pursuit altogether when he decided to snub them.
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While there are no longer any concerns over their offensive output, Arsenal remain interested in potentially bolstering their attacking options in the future and, according to former fan favourite Lukas Podolski, this is exactly what is required to take them to an even higher level.
Kai Havertz
© IMAGO - Kai Havertz
Arsenal need a 'proper No.9'
Speaking on talkSPORT, Podolski discussed compatriot Kai Havertz and once again voiced his opinion that the German is not a natural striker. The 39-year called on ex-teammate Arteta to sign a 'proper No.9' in the mould of target Viktor Gyokeres.
“I don’t know if when he was younger his position was a proper number nine, but for me he’s not a classic number nine striker," he said of Havertz. “He does well, but I think when you put Kai behind a good striker he has more potential, but let’s see, it’s only my view from outside.”
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“Let’s cross our fingers that this season will be good and we win the Premier League and maybe something happens in Europe. I think they’re building something great, good structure, good atmosphere, but we as the fans from outside, we want something [to show for it] at the end.”