Arsenal’s decision to sign Kai Havertz for £65m from Chelsea in the summer of 2023 continues to draw criticism, with former club star William Gallas suggesting the German international isn’t capable of spearheading the Gunners’ Premier League title ambitions.
While Havertz was instrumental in Chelsea’s Champions League triumph—scoring the winning goal in the 2021 final—his inconsistent performances following a £72m move from Bayer Leverkusen had already raised eyebrows.
Despite a slow start, Havertz became an essential member of Mikel Arteta’s squad last season, making 51 appearances and helping Arsenal mount a serious title challenge. This season, however, the 25-year-old’s form has wavered. Although he scored six goals in his first ten games, his last goal came in a Carabao Cup match against Championship side Preston on October 5.
Speaking to Genting Casino, Gallas expressed his belief that Havertz is not the solution for Arsenal. “Havertz is a good player, but he’s not top class,” Gallas remarked. “He’s nowhere near the world-class level Arsenal need to win the Premier League. They need someone to replace him at striker.”
The former Arsenal defender went on to recommend Nigerian forward Victor Osimhen as the ideal candidate to elevate Arsenal’s attack.
Gallas questioned why Osimhen, who shone brightly at Napoli before moving on loan to Galatasaray, isn’t playing in the Premier League.
“I don’t understand why Victor Osimhen is at Galatasaray. He needs to play in the Premier League. Arsenal should be looking to sign him,” Gallas said.
Arsenal were reportedly interested in Osimhen last summer, but the forward remained at Napoli before his surprising move to Turkey. Gallas insists Arsenal should reignite their pursuit of the striker, whom he considers pivotal for the team’s ambitions.
Gallas also emphasized the importance of squad depth to sustain success in England’s top flight. “You need a strong squad to compete, like Manchester City and Liverpool. If you rely on the same XI every week, performances will dip,” Gallas explained. “Arsenal need to reach that level.”
The Gunners managed to snap a four-game winless streak before the international break, securing an emphatic 3-0 victory over Nottingham Forest. Arsenal now sit fourth in the Premier League, a point behind Manchester City and nine adrift of league leaders Liverpool.
With the January transfer window approaching, speculation around Havertz and potential replacements is likely to intensify. Arsenal fans and pundits alike will watch closely to see whether the club heeds Gallas’ advice and pursues the ambitious signing of Victor Osimhen.