Southampton FC v Liverpool FC - Premier League - Source: Getty
Southampton FC v Liverpool FC - Premier League - Source: Getty
Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher believes that Arsenal need to upgrade in two positions to do better. The areas he thinks need improvement are the left wing position and the number nine role.
At the moment, the Gunners do not have a sure-shot starter on the left, with Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli fighting for minutes on that side. Down the middle, Mikel Arteta deploys Kai Havertz who isn't an out-and-out striker.
Speaking to Sky Sports about this, Carragher said (via The Boot Room):
“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. 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."
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"You think of those three players in two positions they need something more than that, whether that’s through the middle or wide left," he added.
Martinelli has featured in 22 matches across competitions this season, bagging four goals and two assists. Similar to the Brazilian, Trossard has notched up the same number of strikes and assists but has played one more game.
While Martinelli and Trossard's numbers are underwhelming, some may argue that Havertz has done fairly well this year. In 23 outings across competitions, the Germany international has bagged 10 goals and three assists.
Expect Havertz and either of Martinelli or Trossard to start for Arsenal when they face Crystal Palace on Saturday (December 21).
Arsenal exploring the possibilty of signing Barcelona winger - Reports
Raphinha in action
Raphinha in action
Arsenal are reportedly looking to sign Barcelona winger Raphinha. This is according to a report from Mundo Deportivo, which claims that the Blaugrana do not wish to entertain any offers for the Brazilian at the moment (via Daily Canon).
The Gunners have seemingly been impressed with the 28-year-old's performances for the Catalan outfit this season. He's played 24 matches across competitions, bagging 17 goals and 10 assists in the process.
Even if Barcelona do wish to let go of the winger, Arsenal will face competition from other Premier League teams. Manchester City and Liverpool are also said to be keeping an eye on the former Leeds United atatcker.
Barcelona will be in no rush to sell Raphinha, with the player contracted at Camp Nou till the summer of 2027. He may think against a move to the Emirates, with likely competition from Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard for minutes on the left wing.