William Gallas, the former Arsenal defender, has expressed concerns over the club’s current striker situation, particularly regarding Kai Havertz’s role in the squad. Gallas believes that Arsenal should focus on signing Victor Osimhen, currently on loan at Galatasaray from Napoli, if they aim to compete for the Premier League title. His comments come in light of criticism leveled at manager Mikel Arteta for opting to sign Havertz from Chelsea in the summer of 2023, rather than securing a more traditional center-forward. Despite early struggles in adjusting to his new environment, Havertz has managed to find his footing within the Gunners’ attack, even achieving an impressive goal tally of 21 from 68 appearances.
In the ongoing 2024-25 season, Havertz showcased a promising start, netting four goals in his first seven Premier League matches. However, he has recently encountered a frustrating goal drought, failing to score in his last four league appearances. Gallas believes that this form further underscores the need for Arsenal to consider a change, as he doubts Havertz’s ability to lead the line effectively as a top-tier striker. He elaborates that, while Havertz is a capable player, he does not meet the high standards required to take Arsenal to the pinnacle of English football.
Gallas is puzzled by Osimhen’s current situation at Galatasaray, especially considering his strong performances at Napoli leading up to his move. He argues that the Nigerian forward should be competing at the highest levels of football, specifically within the Premier League, where his skills would be better utilized. The former defender insists that Arsenal requires a player of Osimhen’s caliber to bolster its attacking options, implying that the current squad lacks the firepower necessary for a sustained title challenge.
He emphatically stresses the importance of having a strong and competitive squad, noting that the likes of Manchester City and Liverpool maintain their dominance through a mix of star players and a deep bench. Gallas points out that Arsenal must elevate their recruitment strategy to ensure that they are not solely reliant on a consistent starting eleven. He emphasizes the necessity of having quality players to rotate, which prevents a drop in performance levels over the course of the season.
Furthermore, Gallas’s perspective sheds light on the broader issue of squad depth at Arsenal. He suggests that in order for the club to be serious contenders for the Premier League, they must adopt a strategy that involves acquiring top-tier talents who can make a difference on the pitch. His opinion reflects a growing sentiment among fans and analysts alike, that success in the Premier League comes not just from individual brilliance, but from the collective strength and versatility of the squad as a whole.
In conclusion, Gallas’s call for Arsenal to pursue Victor Osimhen as Havertz’s replacement underscores the urgency of improving their forward options. Given the club’s ambition to reclaim its place among the elite in English football, it is evident that strategic changes in player acquisitions and squad composition need to be prioritized. The former defender’s insights bring to light the critical nature of having a balanced and competitive team capable of not only challenging for titles but also adapting to the demands of a grueling season.
